Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional crinkle cookie, offering a bright burst of citrus flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicate, slightly chewy texture and crackly, sugary coating, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The zesty lemon flavor shines through in every bite, making these cookies a refreshing treat to enjoy year-round.

These cookies have a beautiful combination of tangy lemon and a hint of vanilla, balanced by the sweetness of the powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for a special event, holiday, or simply craving a burst of citrus, these cookies will become a fast favorite. The added bonus? They’re easy to make and require just a handful of common ingredients. Let’s dive into the details on how to make these bright and beautiful Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Lemon Flavor

The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a deliciously bold lemon flavor that really shines through in every bite.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy and soft in the center with a light crispiness on the outside thanks to the powdered sugar coating.

3. Visually Stunning

The crackly sugar coating and bright yellow hue (if you choose to add food coloring) make these cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious.

4. Simple Ingredients

With easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without having to hunt down any special items. Most of the ingredients are already likely in your pantry.

5. Versatile

These cookies can be served at any gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack. They’re perfect for a springtime bake, a festive event, or simply because you want something sweet and tangy.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter (softened)
• Sugar
• Large egg
• Fresh lemon juice (double the amount for a more noticeable lemon flavor)
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Yellow food coloring (optional)

For Rolling:

• Sugar
• Powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners sugar)

Variations

• Lemon Extract: If you want a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding lemon extract along with the lemon juice to make the flavor more pronounced.
• Add a Glaze: For an extra sweet finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Version: Add poppy seeds to the dough for a classic lemon poppy seed flavor combination.
• Orange Crinkle Cookies: Switch up the citrus flavor by using orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a slightly different taste.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. If using food coloring, add the yellow food coloring at this stage. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies soft.

Step 6: Roll the Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball first in the regular sugar, then in the powdered sugar to create the signature crinkled look.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are set. The crinkles should start to form as they bake.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve

Enjoy these delightful lemon crinkle cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply as a refreshing treat any time of the day.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it for 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The flavor of fresh citrus is more intense than store-bought lemon juice.
• Don’t Overbake: To maintain a soft, chewy center, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges just begin to turn golden. They will continue to cook as they cool.
• Adjust the Lemon Flavor: Double the lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon flavor, or use lemon extract for an even more intense lemony taste.

How to Serve

These lemon crinkle cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them at your next gathering, picnic, or holiday celebration. They also make an excellent snack to accompany your morning tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be kept in the fridge if you want them to last longer, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

You can enjoy these cookies as-is, or reheat them for a warm, soft treat. Place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring them back to life.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand.

2. How can I make these cookies even more lemony?

You can increase the lemon juice and zest in the dough, or you could add a teaspoon of lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor.

3. Do I have to use food coloring?

No, the food coloring is completely optional. It’s only used to enhance the visual appeal of the cookies.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 ratio for best results.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling into balls and baking.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. The centers should be set but still soft.

8. Can I add other flavorings to these cookies?

Feel free to add extra flavors like vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to customize these cookies to your taste.

9. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from the freezer, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! You can replace the lemon juice and zest with lime or orange for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Conclusion

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a delightful texture and stunning appearance. They’re incredibly easy to make and provide a refreshing twist on the traditional crinkle cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something zesty, these cookies are sure to please everyone who takes a bite!

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