Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that's bursting with zesty lemon flavor? Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and soft. These cookies offer a light and refreshing dessert option, ideal for any occasion. With their beautiful crinkled tops and vibrant lemon flavor, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Read on to discover the full recipe and some tips to make your cookies stand out!
What are Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful lemon-flavored cookie that has a distinct crinkled appearance. The cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which causes the dough to crack as it rises and bakes, forming beautiful crinkles. Their texture is soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside. These cookies are perfect for lemon lovers who crave something sweet with a tart, citrusy kick.
Ingredients List for Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Substitutions and Variations
If you need to make adjustments to suit dietary needs or preferences, here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter Substitute: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
- Egg-Free Version: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
- Sugar Alternative: For a lower-sugar option, you can use a natural sweetener like stevia or a sugar substitute that’s designed for baking.
- Extra Lemon Flavor: For an even bolder lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the lemon juice and zest.
Feel free to experiment with these variations and tailor the recipe to fit your needs!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Mix for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to create a soft and tender cookie texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Continue to mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the dough has chilled, scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, making sure to coat them generously.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked and crinkled. The centers should remain soft but not underbaked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cookies is fun and straightforward, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when baking Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much, resulting in flat cookies with less pronounced crinkles. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. Overbaking will cause them to become hard and dry instead of soft and chewy. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
- Not Rolling in Enough Powdered Sugar: For the signature crinkle effect, you need to roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. Don’t skimp, or the crinkles won’t be as visible.
- Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing will lead to tougher cookies.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies can elevate the experience and make them even more appealing. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:
How to Serve Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, especially herbal teas with complementary citrus notes.
- Lemon Lover's Platter: Create a lemon-themed dessert platter by serving these cookies alongside lemon bars, lemon curd, and candied lemon slices.
- As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these cookies as a midday pick-me-up, perfect with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea.
Presentation Ideas for Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Dust with Extra Powdered Sugar: Right before serving, give the cookies a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their appearance and add a touch of elegance.
- Serve on a Bright-Colored Plate: Use a vibrant, contrasting plate (like bright blue or green) to make the lemon-yellow cookies pop and look more appealing.
- Add a Slice of Lemon: Garnish the serving plate with thin slices of fresh lemon to emphasize the lemony flavor and provide a fresh visual cue.
- Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box, layered with parchment paper, and tie with a bright ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Very Lemon Crinkle Cookie Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest will give the best, brightest flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can taste flat or artificial.
- Double the Batch: These cookies are so delicious that they tend to disappear quickly! Consider doubling the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply roll the dough into balls and freeze them before rolling in powdered sugar. When you’re ready to bake, roll the frozen dough in powdered sugar and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough. For raw dough, roll into balls and freeze, then roll in powdered sugar just before baking.
Q: How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Be sure to follow this step for best results.
Q: Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
A: While lemon is the star flavor, you can add a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. You could also fold in white chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
Q: What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
A: Use a microplane or fine grater to remove the yellow zest from the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith. Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for the freshest flavor.
Conclusion
Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delicious, zesty treat that will brighten up any dessert table. Their tangy lemon flavor, soft texture, and beautiful crinkled appearance make them an instant hit with anyone who loves citrus desserts. By following the step-by-step guide and tips in this recipe, you’ll have a batch of perfectly crinkled cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, give these cookies a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintVery Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing taste of Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies, featuring zesty lemon and a sweet crinkle finish. These cookies are the perfect treat for lemon lovers! Keywords: lemon crinkle cookies, zesty lemon cookies, sweet lemon dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden and crinkled on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add more zest or a touch of lemon extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
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