Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Delight in the taste of zesty lemon goodness that bursts through every bite of these Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Baking always holds a special joy, especially when the end result is something so vibrant and cheerful. These cookies are a fantastic treat for anyone who loves a balance of chewy and soft textures—all enhanced by the refreshing tang of lemons. Whether you’re hosting a sunny afternoon gathering, celebrating a festive event, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to sprinkle a little sunshine on your day!

Now, if you’ve never made Lemon Crinkle Cookies before, get ready for a delicious journey. The delightful combination of flavors will elevate your dessert game and leave your friends and family craving more. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means you’ll be able to whip them up quickly—perfect for those busy days. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something extraordinary!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Delight in the taste of zesty lemon goodness that bursts through every bite of these Lemon Crinkle Cookies. The perfect balance of chewy and soft, with an inviting lemon flavor, they are ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon gathering, festive event, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face!

What is a Lemon Crinkle Cookie?

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, incorporating bright lemon zest and tangy lemon juice that creates a citrus explosion. Dusted with powdered sugar, they not only taste fantastic but also look beautiful, making them a perfect addition to your dessert table.

Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• 2½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (225g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling:
– 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (optional)
– 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar

The Recipe for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Start off by gathering your mixture of dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial, as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent. Set this bowl aside while you focus on the next steps.

Beat Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, it’s time to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, set it on medium-high speed. You want to beat this together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about a minute. You’ll notice a lovely creamy texture developing.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat this on high speed for about a minute until everything is thoroughly combined. It’s okay if the mixture looks slightly curdled—don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

After ensuring everything’s well mixed, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Then, add in your whisked flour mixture. Beat it on low speed just until everything is combined. The dough should be thick, creamy, and sticky—this is what you’re looking for!

Chill the Dough

Chilling is a vital step, so cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 3 days if you want to plan ahead. The chilling process helps develop flavors and improve the cookie’s texture, so don’t skip it!

Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Roll Cookie Balls

When your dough is chilled and you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes; this makes it easier to handle. Use a tablespoon to scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough (around 20g) for each cookie. Roll each portion first in granulated sugar and then into confectioners’ sugar, which gives that iconic crinkle look.

Bake the Cookies

Space your cookie balls about 3 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes. If you notice the cookies aren’t spreading by the 9-minute mark, gently bang the baking sheet on the counter. This simple action can help them spread more evenly.

Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. While they may slightly deflate as they cool, the texture will remain enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies shine when served with a cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. They also make a stunning centerpiece at dessert tables, perfect for parties or gatherings. Their bright color and appealing dusting of powdered sugar can make any table look more inviting.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing with sugar, allowing for optimal creaming.
• Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for the best flavor and texture.
• For the freshest taste, consider using fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled alternatives.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Mix in some lemon extract for that extra punch of flavor. Or incorporate white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the lemon. If you’re looking for something unique, add a sprinkle of lavender for an aromatic twist that will surprise your palate!

Storage Tips

Store your Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just let them thaw naturally before enjoying them again.

Pairing Ideas

These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit, making for a vibrant and colorful dessert platter. They can turn any gathering into a special occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice is okay but using fresh will enhance the flavor significantly.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent excessive spreading, chill the dough appropriately and consider refrigerating again before baking if needed.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough for up to 3 months is totally doable. Just ensure to thaw it in the fridge before you bake.

4. How can I add more lemon flavor?
Simply increase the lemon zest or use a splash of lemon extract in your mixture for that desired zing!

5. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Indulging in these Lemon Crinkle Cookies is more than just satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about enjoying the simple joys of baking and sharing delightful flavors. Each bite provides a burst of warmth and nostalgia, perfect for gatherings or a cozy day at home. With their delightful crinkly exterior and aromatic zest, they are guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Lemon Poke Cake
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Custard

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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These Lemon Crinkle Cookies combine chewy and soft textures with a refreshing lemon flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home!

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (225g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

• Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the mixture and combine well.
• Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture until just combined.
• Chill the dough for at least 3 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll cookie balls in granulated sugar and then in confectioners’ sugar.
• Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, allowing to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes afterward.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Do not skip the chilling step for better flavor and texture.
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor compared to bottled juice.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7
• Sodium: 80
• Fat: 5
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 2
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 17
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 1
• Cholesterol: 15