Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Craving something tangy and sweet to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! These Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies are packed with a zesty lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture that will leave you wanting more. The combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and just the right balance of sweetness makes these cookies perfect for lemon lovers. Read on for the full recipe and tips on how to make these delicious cookies the star of your dessert table!

this Recipe

What are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful cookie that combines the tartness of lemons with a sugary sweetness, creating a chewy, tender bite. Their signature crinkly appearance comes from rolling the dough in confectioners' sugar before baking, which causes the cookies to crack as they expand in the oven. The result is a bright, citrus-flavored cookie that has a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center.

Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go. These are the core ingredients needed to create your lemony treat:

• 2 and ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour to get accurate measurements, as too much flour can make your cookies dense.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture by preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect chewy bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the lemon flavor.
• ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter: Soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth dough.
• 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (225g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that crinkly exterior.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice: For the ultimate lemon zing, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended.
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest: Be generous with the zest! It adds concentrated lemon flavor that complements the juice.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Ingredients List for Rolling

To create the classic crinkle look and texture, you will need:

• 3 Tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (optional): This adds extra sweetness and a slight crunch.
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar: This is what gives the cookies their signature crinkled appearance when they bake.

Substitutions and Variations

Need to tweak the recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Lemon Juice: You can swap fresh lemon juice for bottled if you’re in a pinch, but fresh juice will give a brighter flavor. Lime juice can also be substituted for a lime-flavored version of these cookies.
• Butter: If you prefer, you can substitute unsalted butter with salted butter. Just be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to balance the flavors.
• Sugar: If you're cutting back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly. However, keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the texture of the cookies, making them less chewy.
• Cornstarch: If you don't have cornstarch, you can omit it, but the cookies may spread more and be slightly less soft.
• Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend includes a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the chewy texture.
• Citrus Variations: Add a bit of orange or grapefruit zest along with the lemon for a citrus medley!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to baking! Follow these steps for the perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
4. Add egg, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla: Beat in the egg until fully combined. Then, add the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the dough: For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and will enhance their chewy texture.
7. Prepare for rolling: After chilling, roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar (optional) and then generously in confectioners’ sugar to fully coat.
8. Bake: Place the cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set and the tops have cracked. They may look a little underdone, but they will continue to bake on the sheet.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the key steps in cooking Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

1. Prep the ingredients by measuring them out accurately.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining.
4. Chill the dough for best texture and shape.
5. Roll in sugar and bake to achieve that signature crinkle look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the chilling process: This is crucial for ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. It also enhances the chewy texture.
2. Overbaking: The cookies may look underdone when you take them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet. Overbaking can make the cookies dry.
3. Not using enough lemon zest: Don’t skimp on the zest! It adds a concentrated lemon flavor that makes these cookies burst with citrusy goodness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially if you're serving these cookies for a special occasion. Here are some ideas to impress:

• Stack the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter, alternating layers with fresh lemon slices or sprigs of mint for a pop of color.
• Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving to enhance the crinkle effect.
• Serve with a side of lemon curd for an extra lemony twist.
• Pair with tea or coffee: Lemon crinkle cookies are perfect when served with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing snack or dessert.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

You can serve these cookies at room temperature or slightly warmed. They make a perfect treat for:

• Afternoon tea parties: Their bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of teas.
• Holiday gatherings: These cookies look festive and elegant on any dessert table.
• Potlucks or bake sales: Their unique look and flavor make them a standout item that will be sure to please the crowd.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Elegant packaging: If you're gifting these cookies, place them in a box lined with parchment paper, and tie it with a yellow ribbon to match the lemony theme.
• Cookie towers: Stack the cookies into small towers and secure them with decorative toothpicks topped with lemon slices for a fun presentation.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step, as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps them maintain their crinkled shape.
• Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The difference in taste is noticeable.
• Coat generously with sugar: Roll the dough balls generously in confectioners' sugar to achieve that beautiful crinkle effect during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before rolling them in sugar. Once frozen, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.

Conclusion

These Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their bright lemon flavor and soft, chewy texture, they’re a crowd-pleaser at any event. Be sure to follow the tips and steps above for perfect cookies every time, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! Ready to bake these zesty treats? Try this recipe today and enjoy a burst of lemony goodness with every bite!

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