Delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are light, fluffy, and full of zesty lemon flavor. These cookies not only look delightful with their crinkly powdered sugar topping, but they also bring a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies will surely make your day brighter.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is a great way to enjoy baking and share delicious treats with family and friends. The bright lemon flavor is perfect for spring and summer, but they are enjoyable year-round. Here are a few reasons why you should whip up a batch of these cookies:
Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and does not require any complicated techniques. Even beginner bakers can succeed in making these delightful cookies.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or just a sunny afternoon, these cookies fit the bill. They make lovely gifts and are well-received at potlucks or parties.
A Fun Activity: Baking these cookies can be a fun activity with family or friends. You can involve kids in rolling the dough and coating the cookies in sugar, making it a delightful bonding experience.
Versatile Flavor: The zesty lemon flavor can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can make them more or less sweet as needed, and experimenting with different types of citrus zest can yield exciting variations.
Perfectly Unique Appearance: The crinkled sugar topping gives these cookies a beautiful look that can impress anyone. The contrast between the soft, chewy interior and the sugary exterior makes for a delightful treat.
How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is a simple process that will reward you with sweet, tangy cookies everyone will love. Follow these steps to create your own batch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5-8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together well and set it aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixer, take the softened butter and sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is important for getting that lovely texture in your cookies.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter-sugar mixture, add in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and if you chose to use it, the yellow food coloring. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually, add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. You may need to use a spatula to help mix everything together thoroughly.
Chill the Dough: Once the dough is ready, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Preheat the Oven: After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This step prevents the cookies from sticking.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out the chilled dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in a mixture of the sugar and powdered sugar. This coating will create the crinkly texture on the cookies once baked.
Bake the Cookies: Place the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool Down: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Here are a few ideas to enjoy these cookies:
- With Tea or Coffee: Pair these zesty cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a pleasant afternoon treat.
- At Parties: Arrange them on a colorful platter for parties or gatherings. They can be a great conversation starter due to their unique appearance.
- As Gifts: Package them nicely in a box or a clear bag tied with ribbon. They make thoughtful gifts for friends or family.
- During Holidays: Add them to your holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats. Their bright color will surely catch the eye!
How to Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh and enjoy them for longer, follow these storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for up to a week.
- Refrigerate: If you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator. Make sure they are in an airtight container to avoid absorbing other odors. They can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
- Freeze: For even longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide a stronger flavor than bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh whenever possible.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar a little. You can also add a touch more lemon zest for added flavor.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Taste Test: After mixing, do a little taste test of the dough (if you feel comfortable). This can help you adjust flavors before baking.
Variations
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can make them more interesting with some variations:
- Lime or Orange: Substitute lemon juice and zest with lime or orange for a different citrus flavor.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a more intense lemon flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to pick a blend that works cup-for-cup.
2. How long will these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Lemon Crinkle Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before or after rolling it into balls. Just thaw in the refrigerator, then continue with the recipe when you’re ready to bake.
Now that you have all the steps, tips, and variations, you are ready to make your own batch of delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Enjoy the process and the sweet treats!
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together well and set it aside.
- In a mixer, take the softened butter and sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- To the butter-sugar mixture, add in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and yellow food coloring. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Scoop out the chilled dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in a mixture of sugar and powdered sugar.
- Place the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.