Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bright, tangy treats with a soft, chewy texture and a crackled sugary exterior. Perfect for a refreshing twist on a classic cookie, they bring a burst of citrus flavor to any cookie jar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and lemon juice until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 2: Shape the dough into small balls, then roll each ball generously in granulated sugar to coat the outside.
- Step 3: Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the tops have developed a crackled appearance.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and enhance texture.
Storage
Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a low oven to restore softness if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for the bright, natural flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one without added preservatives or sweeteners.
Why do my cookies not crackle on top?
Crinkled tops often come from rolling the dough in sugar and using the right oven temperature. Make sure the dough balls are well coated in sugar and bake at the suggested temperature to develop the crackled texture.
PrintLemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Delight in these zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies, featuring a soft, chewy texture with a vibrant citrus flavor and a crackled sugar-coated exterior. Perfect for a refreshing treat or to brighten up any tea time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Roll in Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball generously in granulated sugar to create the signature crinkle effect.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have spread and the tops have cracked. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and proper dough texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize the lemon flavor in your cookies.
- For more intense lemon flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Rolling the dough balls generously in sugar before baking ensures that classic crinkle cookie appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Lemon Cookies, Crinkle Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Lemon Dessert, Soft Cookies, Easy Baking
