Lemon Crinkle Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, look no further than Lemon Crinkle Cookies! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a sweet treat for your afternoon tea. With a beautiful crinkled appearance dusted in powdered sugar, they are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Let’s dive into making these sunny delights!
Why This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Stands Out
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they stand out due to their unique texture and flavor profile. The zesty lemon flavor brightens each bite, while the soft, chewy interior contrasts beautifully with the sugary crust. Every cookie is a little burst of sunshine, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
The Ingredient Lineup
Creating Lemon Crinkle Cookies requires a simple yet effective lineup of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful treat. Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp lemon extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix dry ingredients and cream butter and sugar.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients without deflating the batter.
- Baking sheet: To bake the cookies on; line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements to ensure the perfect cookie texture.
- Cooling rack: To allow cookies to cool properly after baking.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies, Made Easy
Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of Lemon Crinkle Cookies that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside; you’ll add it to the wet ingredients later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings
Add the large egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. If you’re using yellow food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for getting the perfect texture and crinkle effect.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it in powdered sugar, coating it generously.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them set perfectly. Enjoy your Lemon Crinkle Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Fit It to Your Goals
Whether you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free or vegan, you can easily adapt the recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) instead of eggs.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by a third for a less sweet version.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Avoid These Traps
Creating the perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour mixture; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Skipping Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Incorrect Measuring: Ensure you scoop and level your flour correctly for accurate measurements.
- Underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; underbaking may lead to cookies that are too doughy in the center.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh and delicious, consider these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Powdered Sugar: Wait to coat with powdered sugar until just before serving, as it can absorb moisture and dissolve over time.
Ask the Chef
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice offers a brighter flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best taste.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
If you don’t have lemon extract, you can simply increase the amount of lemon zest or juice slightly to enhance the lemon flavor.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center may look a little underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! Consider adding a hint of almond extract or a pinch of ginger for a unique twist on the classic Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
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That’s a Wrap
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to brighten up your day. With their soft texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and delightful appearance, they’re sure to be a hit among family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them on a sunny afternoon or serving them at a gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
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Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, add yellow food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop out portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make them vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
