These Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat bursting with fresh lemon flavor. With their soft and chewy texture, a tangy citrus zing, and a lightly powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether as an afternoon snack or a dessert at gatherings.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (115g), softened
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon (from 1 large lemon)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (for rolling)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat and Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Bake the Cookies
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter for parties and gatherings.
- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a tangy-sweet midday snack.
- Crumble over yogurt or pudding for a quick and easy dessert topping.
5 Cooking Tips
- Chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for that beautiful crinkle effect.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lemons: Rich in vitamin C, they provide a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Eggs: Add protein and help create the soft texture of the cookies.
- Butter: Adds richness and creates the tender, chewy texture.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free butter alternatives)
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Extend shelf life by refrigerating for up to 1 week.
- Freeze the cookie dough balls (before baking) for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfectly soft and chewy with a delightful lemony tang.
- Stunning crinkle effect from the powdered sugar coating.
- Versatile for any occasion, from casual snacking to formal gatherings.
- Freezer-friendly for baking fresh cookies whenever you want.
Conclusion
Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a must-try for any citrus lover. The combination of bright lemon flavor, a soft and chewy texture, and a powdered sugar coating makes these cookies truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
- Can I add other flavors? Yes, a pinch of ginger or cardamom can complement the lemon flavor beautifully.
- What other citrus can I use? Try lime or orange for a different twist.
- Do I have to chill the dough? Yes, chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape and develop the crinkle effect.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- How do I prevent cookies from sticking? Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the baking sheet.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, double the ingredients for a larger batch.
- What if I don’t have powdered sugar? Granulated sugar won’t create the same crinkle effect; powdered sugar is best.
- Can I freeze baked cookies? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- How can I make the cookies more lemony? Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
Enjoy these tangy, chewy cookies anytime! 🍋✨