How to make Delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies ?
Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines zesty citrus flavor with a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are perfect for lemon lovers looking for a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies. With their signature crackled appearance and bright lemon taste, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Bright, tangy lemon flavor in every bite
- Soft and chewy texture
- Beautiful crinkled appearance
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings
Key Ingredients
To make these delicious lemon crinkle cookies, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and enhances the flavor.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar. Place on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the tops have crackled. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor
- Don’t skip chilling the dough – it’s crucial for the right texture
- Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for the best crinkle effect
- Be careful not to over-bake the cookies should be soft in the center
Variations to Try
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Use lime or orange instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor
- Mix in some dried cranberries for a tart twist
- Add a teaspoon of lavender for a floral note
Storing and Freezing
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled and generously coated in powdered sugar before baking. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Don’t skip the zest, as it provides much of the lemon flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemons with the comforting texture of a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to bring a taste of sunshine to your day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the tangy-sweet goodness of these homemade lemon crinkle cookies!
