Welcome to the world of lemony goodness! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and absolutely delightful to eat, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are your new best friend. These cookies are the perfect combination of chewy and soft, providing a refreshing citrus kick that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies won’t let you down. So, grab your measuring cups and let’s get baking together!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Lemon Crinkle Cookies have a special charm that’s hard to resist. Here are some fantastic reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
Flavor Explosion: The bright punch of lemon combined with the sweetness of sugar makes every bite an absolute treat. The citrus zest adds a layer of depth that makes these cookies truly stand out.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re a baking novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and hassle-free. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to create something delicious.
Versatile Desserts: These cookies are versatile and can be served at any time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy night in, or celebrating a special event, Lemon Crinkle Cookies fit right in.
Beautiful Presentation: The crinkled surface of these cookies coated in powdered sugar not only looks stunning but invites you in for a delicious taste. They’re perfect for sharing on social media, too!
Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike enjoy the tangy flavor of lemon, making these cookies a hit across generations. They’re great for family gatherings or a sweet surprise for friends.
Step-by-Step: Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies
So, are you ready to get started? Let’s dive right into how to make these delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
Ingredients:
To whip up these magical treats, you’ll 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:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, which should take a couple of minutes.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if you’re using it). Mix until everything is well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your stand mixer and mix until everything is nicely incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop and Shape: Using a small cookie scoop, take dough and roll it into balls.
Sugar Coating: Roll each dough ball first in regular sugar and then in powdered sugar, making sure to coat them generously.
Bake: Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
When it comes to serving your Lemon Crinkle Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful serving ideas:
With a Cup of Tea: Pair your cookies with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or a classic green tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
As a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a beautiful plate and serve them alongside other desserts. They add a vibrant touch to any dessert table.
For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for a birthday party, baby shower, or any gathering! Guests will adore the cheerful lemon flavor.
Gifting: Bundle a few cookies in a cute tin or box, and you have a thoughtful gift. Perfect for friends or as a thank-you gesture.
How to Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Want your Lemon Crinkle Cookies to last? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Thawing: When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Lemon Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven. Keep an eye on them, as you want them soft in the center.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice and zest will give your cookies the best flavor possible.
Experiment with Coatings: Mix it up by using colored sugar or trying different citrus flavors!
Different Ways to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Want to put a twist on your Lemon Crinkle Cookies? Here are some fun variations to try:
Lemon-Lavender Crinkle Cookies: Add a hint of culinary lavender for a floral touch that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Meringue Topping: For an elegant presentation, top your cookies with a light meringue before baking.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a luxurious treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
Absolutely! Substitute lemon with lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a unique twist on the original.
Are these cookies safe to eat if I switch the butter for a vegan alternative?
Yes! You can replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, making these cookies suitable for a vegan diet.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a slightly golden edge and a soft center. They will firm up as they cool.
Now, let’s get baking! Can’t wait to hear how your Lemon Crinkle Cookies turn out!
Print
Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 132 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet Lemon Crinkle Cookies with a refreshing citrus kick, perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the stand mixer and mix until incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in regular sugar then in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Don’t skip the chilling step to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg