Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers! Inspired by a beloved recipe from Pinterest that won the 'Top Cookie Award' on an LDS food blog, this cookie combines a delightful burst of lemon flavor with a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. Each cookie features a golden-brown, crinkly exterior dusted with a sweet layer of powdered sugar, while the inside remains soft and tender. With the refreshing aroma of fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a festive gathering. After 40 years of baking, this is my go-to cookie recipe that I can always count on to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1 cup
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
egg
1
lemon zest
1 teaspoon
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
baking soda
1/8 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
powdered sugar
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease light-colored baking sheets with a non-stick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the vanilla extract, egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture.
5
Place the powdered sugar on a large plate. Using a heaping teaspoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat it evenly.
6
Space the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough room between them as they will spread while baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops appear matte without any shiny wet spots. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking; they should look soft but set.
8
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a lemon-flavored dessert featuring a golden-brown, crinkly exterior dusted with powdered sugar and a soft, tender interior.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do these cookies need to bake?
The cookies should be baked for 9-11 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What type of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in the dough mixture.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar together?
You should cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Does this recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it requires 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What is the purpose of the powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar is used to coat the dough balls before baking to create a sweet, crinkly finish.
How should the baking sheets be prepared?
Lightly grease light-colored baking sheets with non-stick spray or line them with parchment paper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the powdered sugar for coating.
What is the recommended size for the dough balls?
The dough should be scooped using a heaping teaspoon and then rolled into balls.
How long should the cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for approximately 3 minutes before moving them.
How can I tell if the cookies are finished baking?
The bottoms should be lightly golden and the tops should appear matte without any shiny wet spots.
Should I use a wire rack for cooling?
Yes, after initial cooling on the sheet, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is vanilla extract included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What leavening agents are used for these cookies?
The recipe uses both 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda.
Why is it important not to overmix the dough?
Overmixing the dough can negatively affect the final texture of the cookies.
What was the inspiration for this cookie recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a Pinterest post that won a 'Top Cookie Award' on an LDS food blog.
Are these cookies a good choice for lemon lovers?
Absolutely, they are described as the ultimate treat for lemon lovers with a refreshing aroma.
What should the appearance of the cookie tops be?
The tops should look matte and set rather than shiny or wet.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
What should I do after adding the egg and lemon to the mixture?
Beat until well combined and make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They feature a perfect balance of a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, tender interior.
Are these cookies considered an easy recipe?
Yes, they are tagged as an easy recipe suitable for various baking levels.
How much experience does the author have with this recipe?
The author has 40 years of baking experience and considers this their go-to cookie recipe.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include dessert, cookies, lemon, crinkle cookies, and refreshing.
On what occasions can these cookies be served?
They are perfect for any occasion, from sunny afternoons to festive gatherings.