Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Indulge in the refreshing taste of lemon crinkle cookies, a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of lemons with a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their crinkled tops, but they also offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert table. Ideal for sharing or enjoying solo, these cookies are sure to brighten your day!
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 7g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g protein. This is based on one cookie and provides a delightful treat without too much guilt.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
10. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar for a healthier option, and you can use lime or orange zest for different citrus flavors.
Serving and Pairings
These lemon crinkle cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not chilling the dough can lead to spreading cookies.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Using too much lemon juice can make the dough too wet.
- Not preheating the oven can affect baking time.
- Skipping the powdered sugar coating leads to less crinkle.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount.
- Try adding poppy seeds for a unique twist.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma in your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add other flavors to lemon crinkle cookies?
Yes! You can experiment with adding almond extract or other citrus zests to enhance the flavor profile.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, try chilling it for a little longer or adding a small amount of flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, ensure your oven is properly preheated.
Conclusion
Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines a refreshing lemon flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and sure to impress. Enjoy these cookies with family and friends, and savor the bright taste of summer in every bite!
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
