Imagine a bite of a soft, chewy cookie with a fresh lemony flavor. Now, imagine you can make these delicious treats at home. This lemon crinkle cookies recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion. The crinkle effect gives these cookies a unique and attractive appearance, while the lemon flavor provides a refreshing twist.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe, such as flour, baking powder, butter, and eggs, are pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up a lemon for the zest and juice. Lemon extract and yellow food coloring are also key to achieving the vibrant flavor and appealing color of these cookies. While not absolutely necessary, the food coloring enhances the lemony look of the cookies, and the extract intensifies their flavor.
Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies giving them their structure.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that causes the cookies to rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and acts as a binder.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates a tender texture.
Lemon zest: Provides a potent burst of lemon flavor.
Egg and egg yolk: The egg provides structure and moisture while the extra yolk adds richness.
Lemon juice: Adds tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of depth to the flavor.
Yellow food coloring: Optional, but adds a vibrant yellow hue to the cookies.
Powdered sugar: Used to coat the cookies before baking, creating the crinkle effect.
One reader, Drugi Forbes says:
These lemon crinkle cookies are a burst of sunshine! The zesty lemon flavor is so refreshing, and the soft, crinkly texture is just perfect. They're a hit with my family and friends. I love how easy they are to make, and they're always a delightful treat. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy. Then, gradually add the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
How to shape the cookies: Scoop the dough and shape it into balls, then roll them in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
How to bake the cookies: Place the shaped dough on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 13 minutes.
How to cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These lemon crinkle cookies have that unmistakable crisp on the outside and chewiness on the inside! Whip up a tangy batch in just under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsall-purpose flour,scoop and level to measure
- 2tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 10tbspunsalted butter,softened
- 1cupgranulated sugar,plus 2 tbsp
- 1tbsplemon zest
- 1large egg
- 1large egg yolk
- 1½tbsplemon juice,fresh
- ¾tsplemon extract
- ½tspvanilla extract
- 5dropsyellow food coloring,optional
- ½cuppowdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
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In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until pale and fluffy.
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Mix in the egg, then blend in the egg yolk. Add lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and yellow food coloring, then mix until combined. With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
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Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Scoop the dough out about 1½ tablespoon at a time and shape into a ball, then drop in the powdered sugar and roll to evenly coat.
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Transfer to a parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheet, and repeat with remaining dough. Space the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
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Bake in the oven for 10 to 13 minutes. Cool on baking sheet several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 102.71kcal
- Fat: 4.23g
- Saturated Fat: 2.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.23g
- Carbohydrates: 15.23g
- Fiber: 0.25g
- Sugar: 8.68g
- Protein: 1.21g
- Cholesterol: 22.53mg
- Sodium: 59.13mg
- Calcium: 27.09mg
- Potassium: 14.53mg
- Iron: 0.47mg
- Vitamin A: 37.21µg
- Vitamin C: 0.61mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies
When zesting the lemon, make sure to only grate the bright yellow skin. Avoid the white pith underneath as it can be bitter and could alter the taste of your cookies. Using a microplane zester can make this process easier and more efficient. Also, to get the most juice out of your lemon, roll it on the counter before cutting and squeezing. This breaks down some of the fibers in the lemon and allows for maximum juice extraction.
Time-Saving Tips for Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Plan ahead: Make a list of all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting to cook to avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
Pre-measure: Measure out all the ingredients in advance and organize them in order of use to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to combine tasks, such as preheating the oven while preparing the dough, to save time.
Use shortcuts: Utilize pre-made ingredients like store-bought pie crusts or pre-chopped vegetables to cut down on prep time.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize the cleanup time at the end.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Set up stations: Organize the cooking area with designated stations for different tasks to work efficiently.
Use kitchen tools: Employ kitchen gadgets like food processors or stand mixers to speed up the cooking process.
Time management: Keep an eye on the clock and allocate time for each step to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Minimize distractions: Focus on the cooking process and avoid distractions to work more efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a lower glycemic index alternative to granulated sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can provide a similar citrusy flavor and aroma to the cookies, with a slightly different fruity undertone.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a tangy alternative to lemon juice, providing a slightly different citrus flavor to the cookies.
lemon extract - Substitute with orange extract: Orange extract can provide a similar citrus essence to the cookies, with a hint of orange flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can add a nutty and sweet flavor to the cookies, complementing the citrus notes.
yellow food coloring - Substitute with turmeric: Turmeric can provide a natural yellow color to the cookies, adding a subtle earthy flavor and health benefits.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the lemon crinkle cookies, consider using a minimalist approach to plating. Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant yellow color of the cookies to stand out against the clean background.
Garnish with lemon zest: Sprinkle a delicate touch of freshly grated lemon zest over the cookies just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the citrus aroma, providing a sensory experience for the judges.
Pair with a citrus coulis: Create a lemon and lime coulis to accompany the cookies. Using a small squeeze bottle, drizzle the coulis in an artistic manner on the plate, adding a burst of citrus flavor and a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers, such as candied violets or nasturtiums, to add a subtle floral note and a visually stunning component to the plate.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the cookies to take center stage. By strategically placing the cookies with ample space around them, the presentation will exude sophistication and refinement.
Accompany with a lemon sorbet: Serve a small quenelle of refreshing lemon sorbet alongside the cookies to cleanse the palate and provide a harmonious balance of flavors.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider delicately placing a small piece of edible gold leaf on the plate, adding a touch of opulence and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Present on a marble slab: Elevate the presentation by serving the cookies on a sleek marble slab, adding a modern and chic element to the plating and creating a visually striking presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making dough, pastry, and even grinding nuts or seeds.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, or stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is perfect for preparing cookie dough, cake batter, or salad dressings.
How To Store and Freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Once the lemon crinkle cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep the cookies soft and moist, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon crinkle cookies:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen lemon crinkle cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the cookies in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen cookies, as this may affect their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To reheat lemon crinkle cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked ones.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the lemon crinkle cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cookies, as they can become soft and lose their crinkle texture. Microwaving is a quick and convenient method, but it may not yield the same results as oven reheating.
For a unique twist, try reheating your lemon crinkle cookies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crisp. This method can help restore the texture of the cookies while adding a slight crunch to the exterior.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can wrap the lemon crinkle cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help add moisture to the cookies, preventing them from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds, or until they reach your desired temperature.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat your lemon crinkle cookies in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a small baking sheet or directly on the rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crisp. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of cookies without having to use a full-sized oven.
Random Fact about Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the sweetness of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Is Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies Economical for Home Cooking?
This lemon crinkle cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a decent batch of cookies. The use of lemon adds a refreshing and vibrant flavor to the cookies, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an affordable option for a homemade dessert. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon crinkle cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its unhealthy status are:
- All-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients
- High amounts of butter and sugar, leading to increased calorie content
- Food coloring, an artificial additive with no nutritional value
However, the recipe does include some redeeming qualities, such as the use of lemon zest and juice, which provide a small amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, the cookies are portion-controlled, which can help with moderation.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar by 25% to lower the calorie content
- Omit the food coloring and rely on the natural yellow hue from the lemon zest
- Incorporate more lemon zest to increase the antioxidant content and flavor
- Add a small amount of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for a boost of healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as a partial replacement for granulated sugar
By implementing these changes, you can create a more nutritious version of the lemon crinkle cookies while still maintaining their delightful taste and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Thoughts on This Lemon Cookie Recipe
The lemon crinkle cookies recipe is a delightful combination of zesty lemon flavor and a soft, crinkly texture. The use of lemon zest, juice, and extract creates a bright and refreshing taste, while the addition of yellow food coloring adds a fun pop of color. The cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert. The powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance, making them an eye-catching treat. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the vibrant taste of lemon in a delightful cookie form.
Enhance Your Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of lemon zest and lemon juice infuses the cookies with a refreshing citrusy aroma and taste. The use of unsalted butter ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. The meticulous process of coating the dough in powdered sugar before baking results in a beautiful crinkle effect, adding an enticing visual appeal. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your baking game and indulge in a delightful treat.
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