Description
Delight in these zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies, perfect for a refreshing treat with a soft center and a crackled powdered sugar exterior. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, they offer a bright, tangy flavor balanced by a sweet, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, setting aside to keep the dry mix ready for incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, which incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Lemon: Beat in the egg, fresh lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until thoroughly combined, infusing the dough with citrus brightness.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps cookies tender.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and generously coat each with powdered sugar, which will create the signature crinkle effect during baking.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft, then cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Coating with powdered sugar thickly helps create the classic crinkle look.
- Cookies will be soft when warm but firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
