Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Brighten up your dessert table with these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these treats will quickly become a favorite.
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not just a treat but a delightful experience that combines the joy of baking with the refreshing taste of lemon. Perfectly crinkled and beautifully sugared, they make any occasion special.
The Joy of Baking with Citrus
Baking is an art that transcends generations, and citrus fruits like lemons bring a unique brightness to any dish. When you use lemons in baking, you not only enhance the flavor profile but also infuse your kitchen with a fresh, uplifting aroma. Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect example of how citrus can elevate a simple treat into something spectacular. Whether you're hosting a spring gathering or cozying up with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.
Additionally, lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative to many other sweeteners and flavorings. Incorporating lemon into your baked goods can create a balanced, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with other ingredients. Lemon Crinkle Cookies showcase this perfectly with their soft and chewy texture, making each bite a refreshing experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not just an everyday snack; they bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or a simple afternoon tea, these cookies can easily steal the spotlight. Their beautiful, crinkled appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them visually appealing and perfect for sharing.
Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. If you're feeling creative, consider adding different flavor twists by incorporating poppy seeds or even a hint of lavender. Such variations can make your cookie experience even more delightful, ensuring there's always something new to try. Keep them on hand for spontaneous gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies
To maintain the freshness of your Lemon Crinkle Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help preserve their chewyness for several days, letting you enjoy them over time. If you happen to have any leftovers, consider freezing the cookies to prolong their life. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to indulge again, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
For the ultimate experience, serve your cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or lemonade. The flavors complement each other beautifully, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your treat. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, these cookies pair perfectly with a warm beverage, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, until firm.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Bake
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Understanding the Ingredients
The quality of ingredients you choose can significantly impact the final result of your Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Using fresh lemons for juice and zest will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought alternatives. Additionally, opt for high-quality unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the salt content in your recipe, enhancing the overall taste.
Granulated sugar plays a vital role not only in sweetening but also in ensuring a tender texture in cookies. When creamed with butter, it helps create that airy, fluffy consistency that is essential for achieving the right mouthfeel in your Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Take care to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
When baking your Lemon Crinkle Cookies, one of the most important steps is chilling the dough. This chilling period helps to solidify the fat in the butter, resulting in a cookie that maintains its shape and texture during baking. Chilling also allows the flavors to meld together, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the cookies.
Be mindful not to overbake your cookies; keep a close eye as they approach the 10-12 minute mark. The edges should be set while the center may appear slightly underbaked, which is what will give you that soft, chewy texture once cooled. Remember, cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet even after being removed from the oven.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
→ How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Brighten up your dessert table with these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these treats will quickly become a favorite.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, until firm.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 9g