Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup softened butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: yellow food coloring

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These delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite! Perfect for serving at gatherings, enjoying with tea, or simply indulging in a sweet moment alone, these cookies boast a bright lemon flavor that brings joy to any occasion. Their soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible, while the crinkly exterior adds a charming touch. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, Lemon Crinkle Cookies will become your new favorite recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these cookies a refreshing taste that stands out.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
Soft & Chewy Texture: The delightful texture ensures that each bite feels comforting and satisfying.
Customizable: Add more lemon zest or even poppy seeds for an extra twist on flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gathering your tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy cookie dough.
Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

These soft and chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect cookie to enjoy with cup of tea! These sweet little bites are surprisingly easy to make and owe their bright, delicate flavor to fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup butter (softened)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 5-8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar (aka icing sugar or confectioners sugar)

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy for about two minutes. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients from Step 1 into the mixer. Mix until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Form Dough Balls

Scoop out dough using a small cookie scoop to ensure uniformity. Roll each scoop into a ball. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate or freeze briefly until it firms up.

Step 6: Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball first in regular sugar then in powdered sugar. Ensure they are generously coated before placing them on baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake & Cool

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies!

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies are sure to brighten up any occasion.

With Tea

Pair these cookies with a cup of herbal or black tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.

For Dessert Platter

Include Lemon Crinkle Cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for a colorful display.

As a Gift

Package these cookies in a decorative box tied with a ribbon. They make a charming gift for friends and family.

At Parties

Serve these cookies at parties or gatherings as an easy-to-eat dessert that everyone will love.

During Holidays

Enjoy Lemon Crinkle Cookies during festive occasions like Easter or spring celebrations to add a zesty touch.

How to Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Crinkle Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the flavor significantly, giving your cookies that bright taste.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading while baking.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them from the oven when they are just set. They will continue to firm up while cooling.
Roll Generously in Sugar: Coating the dough balls in both regular sugar and powdered sugar creates that signature crinkly look and adds sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Crinkle Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances out the cookie’s sweetness.
Lemonade – A glass of homemade lemonade pairs perfectly, echoing the lemony flavor of the cookies.
Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese to contrast with the cookie’s sweetness.
Chocolate Mousse – The rich creaminess of chocolate mousse makes for an indulgent pairing with lemon cookies.
Ice Cream – Vanilla or lemon-flavored ice cream served alongside offers a creamy texture that complements the cookie’s chewiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold butter – Cold butter makes it difficult to achieve the fluffy texture needed. Always use softened butter for the best results.
Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can lead to overly flat cookies. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
Overbaking – Baking too long can dry out your cookies. Aim for a light golden color and remove them from the oven promptly.
Ignoring measurements – Accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are precise.
Skipping lemon zest – The zest adds essential flavor. Don’t omit this step; it enhances the overall taste of your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze unbaked dough; scoop and roll into balls before freezing.

Reheating Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-8 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

How do I ensure my Lemon Crinkle Cookies stay soft?

To keep them soft, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled juice, fresh lemon juice provides a better flavor profile for your cookies.

What can I substitute for lemon if I don’t like it?

If you’re not a fan of lemon, try using orange juice and zest instead for a different citrus crinkle cookie variation.

How do I make gluten-free Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.

Can I add other flavors to my Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding poppy seeds or almond extract for unique flavor notes along with the lemon.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a bright burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. Their chewy texture and sweet taste make them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding different citrus zests or sprinkles on top!