Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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Brighten up your day with these soft, zesty, and delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Bursting with citrus flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from tea time to summer picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With their signature crinkled tops dusted in powdered sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Citrus Perfection in Every Bite

Lemon Crinkle Cookies combine the tangy freshness of lemons with a light, tender texture that melts in your mouth. The powdered sugar coating not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates their classic crinkle appearance, making these cookies stand out on any dessert table.

Whether you’re a fan of all things lemon or just looking for a simple cookie recipe that wows, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a must-try. Best of all, they’re easy to make and require just a handful of pantry staples!

Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

To create these irresistibly soft and citrusy cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together for a burst of lemony goodness.

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best texture.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cookie dough and enhances the lemony tang.
• Unsalted Butter – Softened butter ensures a rich, tender cookie.
• Egg – Acts as a binder, helping the dough hold together.
• Fresh Lemons – You’ll need both lemon juice and zest for an authentic, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cookies’ flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar – Coats the cookies for that classic crinkled, snowy finish.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Creating these delicious cookies is as easy as mixing, rolling, and baking! Follow these simple steps for perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies every time.

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4:
Add the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this keeps the cookies soft and tender.

Step 6:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick coating.

Step 7:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread slightly and the tops have a crinkled appearance. They should be soft in the center but slightly firm around the edges.

Step 9:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How Long to Bake Lemon Crinkle Cookies

The baking time for Lemon Crinkle Cookies can vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the cookie dough balls. Here’s a quick guide to ensure they turn out just right:

• Small Cookies – Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Medium Cookies – Bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Large Cookies – Bake for 12-14 minutes.

You’ll know the cookies are ready when the edges are set, the tops are crinkled, and the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture!

How to Store Leftover Cookies

If you have any Lemon Crinkle Cookies left (though it’s hard to resist eating them all!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature – Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a small piece of bread in the container to keep them soft.
• Refrigerator – To extend freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer – These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Here are a few tips to ensure your Lemon Crinkle Cookies turn out beautifully every time:

• Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Coating – The thick layer of powdered sugar creates the signature crinkled effect and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Chill the Dough – If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This makes rolling the balls much easier.
• Evenly Sized Dough Balls – Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies bake evenly and have a consistent size.
• Adjust Sweetness – For a more tangy flavor, you can slightly reduce the granulated sugar or add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.

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