Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are everything you could want in a cookie: soft, chewy, and bursting with a refreshing lemon flavor. Each cookie is rolled in sugar, giving it that beautiful crinkle effect and a light, sweet coating. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, or whenever you’re craving something bright and citrusy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty and Sweet: The lemon zest and juice bring a fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly balances with the sweetness of the sugar.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the butter and a chilled dough, these cookies stay soft and chewy with just the right amount of crinkle.
• Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and steps for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Customizable Flavor: For a bolder lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon extract or extra zest.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups, provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for a soft and slightly puffed cookie.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
• Butter: 1/2 cup, softened, adds richness and keeps cookies soft.
• Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and that classic cookie texture.
• Egg: 1 large, binds the ingredients.
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons fresh, adds that bright lemon flavor.
• Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon, intensifies the citrusy notes.
• Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon, adds a hint of warmth.
• Yellow food coloring: 5-8 drops (optional), for a subtle, lemony hue.
• For rolling:
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup.
• Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup, creates that crinkle effect.

Variations

• Extra Lemon Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract if you want a stronger lemon taste.
• Skip the Food Coloring: If you prefer natural colors, leave out the yellow food coloring.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix until well combined.

2. Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step ensures that the dough firms up and the flavors develop.

3. Form and Coat the Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat it in powdered sugar.

4. Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have a slight golden color and crinkled appearance. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Scoop Carefully: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar: This will give the cookies their iconic crinkle look as they bake.

How to Serve

Serve these lemon crinkle cookies fresh for a chewy, soft experience. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as part of a dessert platter.

Make Ahead

• To Refrigerate: Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it chill fully if you haven’t done so already, as this step helps keep the cookies from spreading.
• To Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls (without rolling in sugar) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in sugar and powdered sugar, and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I skip chilling the dough?

It’s best not to skip this step, as chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and gives them a chewier texture.

2. Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes! You can double the lemon zest or add a bit of lemon extract for a stronger citrus flavor.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much?

Ensure the dough was properly chilled and that you’re not over-creaming the butter and sugar. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh.

Conclusion

These Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, they’re sure to brighten up any dessert table. Make a batch today and enjoy each chewy, citrusy bite!

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