Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat. They have a bright and zesty lemon flavor that can lift anyone’s spirits. These cookies are soft, chewy, and covered in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They are great for sharing with friends or family, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.

How To Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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 (for rolling)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this aside for later.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes.
3. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if you’re using it). Mix everything until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture and mix until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 2 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. If the dough is too soft, put it back in the fridge for a little while.
7. Roll each dough ball first in regular sugar, then in powdered sugar. Make sure they are coated well.
8. Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches between them.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook, making a total of 22 minutes. It serves about 24 cookies, and each cookie has around 130 calories, with about 2 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat.

How To Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are best served with a cup of tea or lemonade. They can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for extra flavor when serving.

How To Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips To Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• If your dough is too sticky, chill it longer in the fridge.
• You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to fit your taste preferences.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, try adding a bit more lemon zest.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be a fun treat without lots of heavy ingredients. The lemon juice and zest add a good amount of vitamin C, which is great for your immune health. The cookies contain butter, which provides some fat, but they are not overly heavy. Enjoy them in moderation for a sweet snack that can brighten your day!

Variation

For a different twist, you can add poppy seeds for texture or use lime juice and zest instead of lemon. Chocolate chips can also be mixed into the dough for a chocolatey surprise.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional. The cookies will still taste great without it.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.