Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These soft and chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect cookie to enjoy with a cup of tea! Their sweet, bright flavor comes from fresh lemon juice, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sunny day, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these cookies a refreshing taste that stands out.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for afternoon tea, parties, or just because! These cookies can be enjoyed year-round.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that pairs perfectly with the sugary coating.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Lemon Crinkle Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together quickly, ensuring a fluffy base for your cookies.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These soft and chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect cookie to enjoy with a cup of tea! These sweet little bites are surprisingly easy to make and owe their bright, delicate flavor to fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup butter (softened)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 5-8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar (aka icing sugar or confectioners sugar)

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (a couple of minutes). Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the stand mixer. Mix until they are fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 2 hours.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

Scoop out dough using a small-sized cookie scoop to get uniform sizes. Roll each portion into a ball. Note: If the dough feels too soft, return it to the fridge or freezer briefly.

Step 6: Coat Cookies

Roll each dough ball in regular sugar first, then coat generously with powdered sugar. Place them on baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Now you have delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies ready to delight everyone! Enjoy their bright flavor during any season or special occasion!

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a variety of serving suggestions. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a sweet snack, here are some ideas to enjoy these cookies.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or black tea. The citrus notes complement the warmth and aroma of the tea perfectly.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies as a light dessert after a meal. Their sweetness will cleanse your palate and leave you feeling satisfied without being too heavy.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats like fruit tarts and chocolate truffles for an inviting display at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries or blueberries. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookie flavor.

In Lunchboxes

• Pack these cookies in lunchboxes for a sweet treat during school or work. They’re easy to transport and always bring a smile!

How to Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Perfecting your Lemon Crinkle Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can make them dry.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the flavor significantly. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out to ensure maximum chewiness.

• Coating Technique: Roll your cookie dough balls in sugar and powdered sugar generously for that signature crinkly appearance and extra sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious complement.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offset the sweetness while adding creaminess.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with lemon flavors.
5. Mini Lemon Tarts: For those who love citrus, mini tarts provide another layer of lemony goodness.
6. Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea enhances the lightness of these cookies, making them perfect for warm days.
7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy coconut treats offer a different texture while still keeping things sweet.
8. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream by its side creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Neglecting to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always refrigerate your dough for at least two hours.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Boldly forgetting to measure accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the cookie’s consistency. Always measure your ingredients with proper tools for best results.
• Boldly not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can cause sticking and uneven baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect cookies.
• Boldly skipping the rolling in sugar step: Omitting the sugar coating can affect the texture and appearance. Be sure to roll your dough balls in both regular and powdered sugar for that signature crinkle look.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before placing them in the container.

Freezing Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate; heat cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

How do I achieve the perfect crinkle effect on my Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Achieving that perfect crinkle requires rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. This helps create those beautiful cracks as they bake.

Can I use different citrus juices instead of lemon?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile while still enjoying delicious crinkle cookies.

What if I don’t have yellow food coloring?

The yellow food coloring is optional. If you prefer not to use it, your Lemon Crinkle Cookies will still have a lovely lemon flavor without the color enhancement.

How do I know when my Lemon Crinkle Cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are done when they have puffed up slightly and the edges look set but the centers may still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla bean or almond extract as well!

Final Thoughts

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with refreshing citrus flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences, whether you want to add chocolate or nuts. Give this delightful recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!