Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
introduction:
If you’re a fan of bright, zesty desserts, chewy lemon crinkle cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These soft, citrusy delights are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a signature powdered sugar coating that cracks beautifully when baked. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to brighten your day or a crowd-pleasing recipe for spring gatherings, these cookies deliver on both flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen. Ready to bake a batch of happiness? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Bursting with Flavor: The bright zest and juice of fresh lemons pack every bite with a tangy punch that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the dough.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay moist and tender, making them a delightful treat for any time of day.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet yields bakery-quality results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s spring gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a random Tuesday, these cookies bring a bit of sunshine to any event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these chewy lemon crinkle cookies, you’ll need:
- 🥐 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 🍽️ 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🌾 2 large eggs
- 🍎 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍋 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 🍋 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 🍏 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥂 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 🧄 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🥧 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ⌚ and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl 🍽️, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy 🌈. This step ensures your cookies have a tender texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs 🌾 one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest 🍋, and lemon juice. The citrus aroma will fill your kitchen as you mix!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl 🍽️, whisk together the flour, baking powder 🥂, and salt 🧄. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft
5. Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes ❄️. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances their flavor.
6. Roll and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls ⚪. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar 🥧, ensuring they’re completely covered.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake 🍚 for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked beautifully. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy texture.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool 🔧 on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week 🍲.
Pro Tips for Success
- 🍋 Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled alternatives.
- ❄️ Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crinkle and preventing overly flat cookies.
- 🥧 Generously Coat with Powdered Sugar: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating! It’s what creates the signature crinkle effect.
- ⏳ Adjust for Your Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Spring
Spring is a season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that embodies brightness and freshness? Chewy lemon crinkle cookies bring a pop of sunshine ☀️ to any table, making them ideal for Easter, Mother’s Day, or simply as an everyday pick-me-up. Pair them with a cup of tea ☕ or lemonade 🍋 for the ultimate treat.
FAQs About Lemon Crinkle Cookies
1. Can I freeze lemon crinkle cookie dough?
❄️ Absolutely! After rolling the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and coat with powdered sugar before baking.
2. How do I make the cookies more lemony?
For an extra punch of flavor 🍋, add a teaspoon of lemon extract or increase the amount of lemon zest.
3. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
This could be due to skipping the chilling step or not using enough powdered sugar. Be sure to coat the dough balls generously and bake at the correct temperature.
Notes & Secrets for the Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Add Cornstarch for Extra Softness: Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch into the dry ingredients for an even softer cookie texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and a better overall dough consistency.
- Double Zest for Extra Zing: For a bolder lemon flavor, double the amount of lemon zest in the recipe.
- Store for Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their chewiness longer.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0.3g
Conclusion
Chewy lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful way to bring sunshine into your day ☀️. Their soft, tangy, and sweet flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. So grab some lemons 🍋 and start baking – you won’t regret it!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know your favorite ways to enjoy these cookies!
