Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon crinkle cookies! They’re like a burst of sunshine wrapped in a soft, chewy delight. The moment you bite into one, the tangy lemon flavor dances on your taste buds, and trust me, it’s pure magic! I remember the first time I made these cookies; it was a rainy day, and I thought, what better way to brighten things up than with some baking? The smell of lemon wafting through the house was enough to lift my spirits instantly. Now, every time I bake these little gems, I can’t help but smile, knowing they’re bound to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. If you’re ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself, let’s dive into this recipe!
Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for maximum flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating the cookies
How to Prepare Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into making these delightful lemon crinkle cookies! The first step is to prep the cookie dough, and it’s super simple. Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the large egg, along with the freshly grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Mix it all together until everything’s well combined, and you can almost smell that zesty goodness already!
Prepping the Cookie Dough
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re aiming for that soft texture here! Once everything’s mixed, it’s time for a little chill time. Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial; it helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives them that perfectly chewy texture.
Chilling and Shaping the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it into balls. I like to use about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Once you’ve rolled them into little balls, roll each ball in the powdered sugar until they’re nicely coated. This gives them that beautiful crinkle effect when they bake. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving a little space between each cookie so they don’t stick together while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let those cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft—this is key for that chewy texture! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it! You’ll have a batch of lemony happiness ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Refreshing lemon flavor that brightens any day.
- Beautiful crinkle effect makes them a showstopper for gatherings.
- Great for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat just for you!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your lemon crinkle cookies turn out perfectly every time! First off, be sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps create that light, fluffy texture we’re after. Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; a too-hot oven can lead to burnt edges! And don’t skimp on the lemon juice and zest—using fresh is key for that vibrant flavor. Also, remember to chill the dough; it’s a game-changer for texture! Lastly, when rolling in the powdered sugar, don’t be shy; a generous coating gives that gorgeous crinkle look!
Nutritional Information
These lemon crinkle cookies are as delightful as they are indulgent! Each cookie packs about 120 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 10 grams of sugar. You’ll also find around 1 gram of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they may vary slightly depending on what you use. Enjoying a sweet treat like this in moderation can be a delightful addition to your day!
FAQ About Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Got questions about these scrumptious lemon crinkle cookies? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, Can I make substitutions? Absolutely! If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil, but the texture might vary a bit. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter substitute. Another great question is, How should I store these cookies? Simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment—just make sure to wrap them well!
Lastly, Can I add other flavors? You bet! Try adding a bit of vanilla extract or even some poppy seeds for a fun twist. These cookies are super versatile, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon crinkle cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as good as fresh. No need to reheat; these cookies are delightful at room temperature!
Print
Lemon Crinkle Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon crinkle cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a tangy lemon flavor and a powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into balls and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon crinkle cookies, lemon cookies, cookie recipe, dessert recipe, baking
