Lemon Crinkle Cookies, soft and sweet with a burst of lemon flavor, are a delightful treat. These cookies have a unique crinkly top that looks beautiful and tastes even better. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a fresh lemon scent that brings a bright and cheerful atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Lemon Crinkle Cookies. First, they are delicious! The combination of zesty lemon and soft cookie is simply irresistible. The powdered sugar coat adds an extra sweetness, making each bite delightful. Second, these cookies are visually appealing. Their unique shape and bright color can impress your family and friends.
Moreover, baking cookies can be a fun activity to do with loved ones. It is a perfect way to spend time together, creating delicious treats and making happy memories. The process of mixing, rolling, and baking brings joy to the kitchen. Finally, Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and they make a wonderful dessert after dinner. With so many reasons to bake them, why not give them a try today?
How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps carefully to create a batch of these delicious cookies.
Ingredients
To make Lemon Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following 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 (aka icing sugar or confectioners sugar)
Directions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Make sure these are well combined. After mixing, set this bowl aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy, which should take a couple of minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the large egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything together until combined.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the bowl of dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the stand mixer. Mix until everything is incorporated. You want the dough to come together but not over-mix it.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 2 hours. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Preheat the Oven: After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Shape the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. The dough should be somewhat stiff but easy to handle. If it feels too soft, return it to the fridge or freezer for a bit.
Coat the Cookies: Roll the dough balls first in regular sugar, then in powdered sugar. Make sure each ball is generously coated.
Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be slightly golden on the edges.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They are great for dessert or a sweet bite after meals. If you have guests over, arrange the cookies on a beautiful plate, perhaps dusted with a little extra powdered sugar for show.
These cookies can also be packed into gift boxes or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. Add a small note or card to make it extra special. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
How to Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay good at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for juice and zest. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the taste of your cookies.
Chill the Dough Well: Do not skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking.
Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to ensure they do not over-bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out.
Experiment with Zest: If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest you use. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Variation
There are plenty of ways to change up this recipe to create new flavors. You can try adding different types of citrus zest, such as orange or lime, to the dough. Additionally, mix in some white chocolate chips for a creamier texture or nuts for added crunch.
For a different look, you can also sprinkle colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking to make them festive. No matter how you adapt the recipe, the base of the Lemon Crinkle Cookie will always shine through.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. However, if you do, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cookie’s flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it into balls.
Why did my cookies not crinkle?
If your cookies did not crinkle as expected, it might be because the dough was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently before baking. Also, rolling in powdered sugar helps create that signature crinkle look as they bake.
By following this guide, you can create delicious and visually stunning Lemon Crinkle Cookies that will delight your family and friends. Happy baking!
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, add softened butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy.
- Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the stand mixer. Mix until just incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in regular sugar first, then in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, keeping them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.