Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, with a beautiful cracked surface that adds a touch of elegance! Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for springtime gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a soft and chewy texture.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps create a chewy texture.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright and tangy lemon flavor.
• Lemon zest: Adds an intense lemon aroma and flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Lemon extract: Adds an extra boost of lemon flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and a soft texture.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and creates a chewy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Used for coating the cookie dough balls before rolling them in powdered sugar.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a beautiful snowy coating and adds sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Cream Sugar and Butter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Add the egg and egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until well combined, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Fill a shallow bowl with granulated sugar and another shallow bowl with powdered sugar.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
2. Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, then generously coat it in the powdered sugar.
3. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
4. Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are delicious served:

• On their own: Enjoy them as a simple and refreshing treat.
• With coffee or tea: A classic pairing for cookies.
• With ice cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• For special occasions: These cookies are elegant enough to serve at parties, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to compensate.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

3. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add other mix-ins, such as white chocolate chips or chopped nuts, to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

4. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

If your cookies didn’t crinkle, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the oven temperature was too high. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour and bake the cookies at 325°F.

Print