Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful combination of a soft, chewy interior and a crisp, sugary exterior. With the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet to go with your afternoon tea or just looking for a burst of citrus in your dessert, these cookies will surely hit the spot. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that brings out the best of lemony goodness!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (6g) lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to create a soft texture in the cookies. Add the egg, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined. If you’re using food coloring, add the yellow food coloring now, mixing until the dough reaches the desired shade.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Chill and Roll the Dough
Once the dough is well combined, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. After chilling, scoop the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, coating them generously on all sides.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The cookies will spread and form the classic crinkle pattern as they bake.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while keeping their soft, chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your soft and chewy lemon crinkle cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing, delightful treat.
- Pair these cookies with vanilla ice cream for a sweet and cooling dessert experience.
- For an extra touch, drizzle some lemon glaze on top for an additional burst of citrus flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Chill the dough: This step is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It helps them keep their soft and chewy texture.
- Zest the lemon carefully: When zesting, be sure to only remove the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
- Roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar: This gives the cookies their crinkly, sugary exterior and helps to create a beautiful texture.
Nutritional Benefits
These cookies offer a wonderful burst of citrus flavor from real lemon juice and zest, providing a light and refreshing taste. The tangy lemon flavor can brighten up your day while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Suitable for those who enjoy a standard diet, but can be easily modified with gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
Storage
- Room temperature: Store your lemon crinkle cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls (coated in powdered sugar) for later use. To bake from frozen, add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s recommended to use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the amount of salt in the cookies. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon zest will still give the cookies the best taste.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. This can make for a quick baking session when you’re ready to enjoy these cookies.
4. Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies after they’ve cooled completely. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too thin. Also, don’t skip rolling them in powdered sugar, which helps control the spread while baking.
6. Can I substitute the lemon with another fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange to create different flavor variations. Just be sure to adjust the zest and juice measurements accordingly.
Conclusion
These Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their refreshing lemon flavor, soft center, and sweet powdered sugar coating, they offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and brighten your day with a burst of citrus goodness!