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Instructions for Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside as your dry ingredient mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for achieving a light, tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and giving the cookies a thicker, softer texture after baking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling the dough enhances the crinkle effect and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the Dough: After chilling the dough, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. The powdered sugar will create the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden, but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
- 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. As the cookies cool, the crinkled texture will become more pronounced.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of your Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or for indulging in a refreshing treat yourself.
Tips for the Perfect Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. The zest provides a punch of aromatic oils, while the juice adds that signature tartness.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re looking for cookies with a more defined crinkle effect, chilling the dough for 30 minutes is key. It helps the dough maintain its shape while baking, resulting in a more prominent crackled top.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep these cookies soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. They should look set and lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! A generous coating is necessary for the classic crinkle appearance and contributes to the cookies’ delicate sweetness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to an airtight container or bag once frozen. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
These Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
- With a Cup of Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of green tea, black tea, or chamomile for a soothing afternoon treat.
- With a Glass of Lemonade: For an extra citrus kick, serve these cookies alongside a refreshing glass of lemonade—the perfect complement to the lemony flavor.
- For Holiday Cookie Platters: These cookies are a festive favorite during the holidays. Their crinkled appearance and bright lemon flavor make them a standout addition to any cookie platter.
- As a Gift: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or gift box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Why Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies Are a Must-Bake
These Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies offer a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their eye-catching crinkled appearance makes them a showstopper at any gathering, while their refreshing lemon flavor makes them a favorite for any citrus lover. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat, these cookies are the ideal treat for any occasion.
So the next time you’re craving something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious, whip up a batch of these lemon crinkle cookies. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply need a burst of sunshine in your day, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who bites into them.
Happy baking! 🍋
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