Description
Irresistible lemon crinkle cookies blend zesty citrus with powdered sugar perfection. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats a delightful companion for afternoon tea or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated, creating a soft and slightly tacky dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into uniform balls.
- Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheet, maintaining 2-inch spacing to allow spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and characteristic crinkle texture on top.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a perfectly cracked surface during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that makes these cookies sing.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and prevent tough, dense textures.
- Roll generously in powdered sugar just before baking to create those signature beautiful crinkle cracks and a delicate sweet coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 139 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 66 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg