Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for you. They are soft, chewy, and packed with the refreshing zing of fresh lemons. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they develop a beautiful crinkle effect as they spread in the oven, giving them a snow-dusted appearance that makes them ideal for any occasion, especially during the warmer months. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday treat, or just for a midday snack, these lemon crinkle cookies are guaranteed to brighten up your day. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

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What Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. The dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which creates a distinctive “crinkle” pattern as the cookies expand in the oven. This contrast between the golden cookie and the powdered sugar coating gives the cookies a beautiful crackled appearance. They’re similar to chocolate crinkle cookies, but with a light, refreshing citrus twist. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet powdered sugar makes these cookies an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process:

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

For Rolling:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

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Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adapt the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs, here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or dairy-free butter substitute to make the recipe dairy-free.
• More Citrus: Add a teaspoon of orange or lime zest along with the lemon zest for a more complex citrus flavor. You can also swap out the lemon entirely for another citrus fruit like lime or grapefruit.
• No Lemon Extract?: If you don’t have lemon extract on hand, you can skip it, though it does help enhance the lemony flavor. Alternatively, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a few more drops of lemon juice to compensate.
• Icing Sugar Topping: For a different texture, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cookies instead of rolling them in powdered sugar.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is simple, but it’s important to follow these steps closely to achieve the perfect crinkle effect and chewy texture.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

6. Chill the Dough:

• Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.

7. Roll the Dough:

• After chilling, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated. This coating is what creates the crinkled appearance during baking.

8. Bake the Cookies:

• Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies should have a light, golden bottom, but the tops should remain pale.

9. Cool the Cookies:

• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Cook Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by combining your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar creates a light, fluffy base for your cookie dough, which is essential for soft, chewy cookies.
3. Incorporate Lemon Flavor: Adding lemon zest, lemon juice, and (optionally) lemon extract ensures these cookies are bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
4. Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for controlling the spread of the cookies, ensuring they keep their shape and develop the perfect crinkle pattern.
5. Bake: Bake until the cookies are just set, being careful not to overbake them. This ensures they stay soft and chewy in the middle.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much. Don’t skip this step!
2. Overbaking: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out of the oven when they’re still soft in the middle. Overbaking can result in dry, hard cookies.
3. Not Enough Powdered Sugar: Be sure to generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar, as this is what creates the signature crinkle effect during baking.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but they’re also a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables or as gifts. Here are some tips on how to serve and present them:

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

• Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of iced lemonade for a refreshing treat.
• They pair beautifully with light, fruity desserts like sorbet or fresh berries.
• For a sweet presentation, arrange them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other citrus-based treats.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

• Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a beautiful homemade gift.
• Lemon Garnish: Serve the cookies on a platter garnished with lemon slices or zest for a fresh, citrusy touch.
• Dust with More Sugar: For extra flair, dust the tops of the cookies with a little more powdered sugar just before serving.

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Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This ensures that they incorporate more smoothly into the dough, leading to a better texture.
• Extra Zing: If you want an extra punch of lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Simply keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
A: Absolutely. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q: Why didn't my cookies crinkle?
A: If your cookies didn’t develop the classic crinkle pattern, it could be due to undercoating them in powdered sugar or not chilling the dough properly. Chilling helps the dough keep its shape while the powdered sugar enhances the crackled effect.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice, and not a concentrate.

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Conclusion

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a soft, chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. Their fresh lemon flavor and crackled sugar tops make them a delightful and visually appealing dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a spring brunch, a holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon treat. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet powdered sugar is a match made in cookie heaven. So, grab your ingredients, and whip up a batch of these bright and cheerful cookies today! Happy baking!

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