Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of biting into a lemon crinkle cookie! These little gems are soft, chewy, and bursting with a tangy lemon flavor that just makes your taste buds dance. I still remember the first time I baked these cookies; the fresh lemon scent filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. Trust me, there’s something magical about that sugary exterior that crackles when you take a bite! Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat for a gathering or a little indulgence just for you, lemon crinkle cookies are the perfect choice. You’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven means perfectly baked cookies! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s evenly mixed. This ensures those leavening agents do their job, creating that delightful texture we love.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in another bowl, let’s cream together 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Trust me, this step is so important! It helps incorporate air into our dough, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the flavor! Add in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix it all together until fully incorporated—this is where the magic happens! You’ll want to make sure everything is blended well, so those bright lemony flavors shine through in every bite.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now, gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! We want to keep that dough nice and tender, so mix until you don’t see any more flour—your dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough
Here comes a key step: chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This is super important because it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances that chewy texture we adore. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle!
Shape and Coat
Once your dough is chilled, it’s time to shape it! Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until it’s generously coated. This not only looks gorgeous but also gives that crinkly texture once baked. Aim for nice, round shapes—don’t worry if they aren’t perfect, they’ll still taste amazing!
Bake the Cookies
Place your powdered-sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. It’s that perfect balance!
Cooling Process
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential! Cooling them properly allows the cookies to set up just right, giving you that soft and chewy texture we all crave. Once they cool completely, you’re ready to enjoy these delightful lemon crinkle cookies!
Tips for Success with Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Alright, let’s make sure your lemon crinkle cookies turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip the chilling step—trust me, it’s a game changer for texture. If you find the dough too sticky, you can chill it a bit longer. Another tip is to use fresh lemons for zest and juice; the flavor is so much brighter compared to bottled! Also, when rolling the dough in powdered sugar, be generous! It creates that beautiful crackled look and adds just the right amount of sweetness. And, oh! If you happen to have a little extra lemon zest, sprinkle some on top before baking for an extra zing. I’ve made that mistake before, and let me tell you, my family couldn’t get enough of those citrusy bursts! Enjoy baking, and remember: no two cookies are ever the same, and that’s what makes them special!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each lemon crinkle cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
So, there you have it! These lemon crinkle cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but they’re also fairly light, making them perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different citrus fruits?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out lemons for other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, or even grapefruit. Just keep in mind that each fruit brings its own unique flavor—limes will give you a sharper bite, while oranges will add a sweeter, more fragrant twist. It’s all about what flavor profile you’re in the mood for, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Storing your leftover lemon crinkle cookies is super simple! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Trust me, you’ll want to save some for later because they’re just too good to finish in one sitting!
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the dough! Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer—no need to thaw. It’s the perfect way to have fresh lemon crinkle cookies on hand whenever the craving hits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
You’re going to love how simple these lemon crinkle cookies are to whip up! With just about 15 minutes of prep time and only 10-12 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a batch of fresh cookies ready to enjoy in no time. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that feels like magic—mix, chill, bake, and devour!
Refreshing Flavor
The tangy lemon flavor in these cookies is like a burst of sunshine with every bite! The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives them a delightful brightness that’s hard to resist. It’s refreshing yet sweet, making it the perfect treat to brighten up any day. Trust me, once you taste that zesty goodness, you’ll be hooked!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies fit the bill! They’re versatile enough to be festive for holidays or casual for a weeknight snack. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike—everyone loves a good cookie! So, go ahead and bake a batch for your next gathering; you’ll be the star of the dessert table!
Imprimer
Lemon Crinkle Cookies: 7 Joyful Bites of Citrus Bliss
- Temps Total: 57 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Lemon crinkle cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a tangy lemon flavor and a sugary exterior.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Form dough into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
- Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 4g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 1g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: lemon crinkle cookies, lemon cookies, dessert recipes
