Description
Zesty lemon crinkle cookies blend citrusy brightness with powdered sugar’s delicate coating. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats irresistible for dessert lovers seeking refreshing sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet for the cookies.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Create a creamy base by beating butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, incorporating egg, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
- Shape the cookie dough into small, uniform spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring complete and even coating for a classic crinkle appearance.
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for characteristic crinkled tops and set edges as indicators of doneness.
- Remove from oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a brief cooling period before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor and avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing with sugar.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar just before baking to create those signature crinkle cracks and give a beautiful snowy appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 132 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg