Description
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. These bright and zesty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful cracked surface. Perfect for a refreshing treat, they combine tart lemon juice and zest with a tender crumb, baked to perfection in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 210 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 174 g granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 24 g lemon juice
- 50 g neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 56 g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a large bowl, add the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub them together until the mixture looks like wet sand and the lemon zest is aromatic. Whisk in the lemon juice, neutral oil, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or overnight if preferred. This helps firm up the dough and enhances the cookie texture.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and roll dough: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each scoop in powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates the signature crinkle appearance after baking.
- Arrange cookies: Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and developed characteristic cracks on the surface.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving. This ensures they set properly and remain soft.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough; it improves texture and makes rolling easier.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best lemon flavor.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To soften neutral oil for mixing, bring it to room temperature but do not heat.
- Ensure your egg is at room temperature to help ingredients combine smoothly.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
