Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful burst of citrusy goodness with a soft and chewy texture, complemented by a sugary crinkle coating. A perfect treat for lemon lovers, these cookies are great for tea time, holidays, or just when you’re in the mood for something bright and sweet.
Introduction
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a classic dessert loved for their refreshing tang and unique crinkled appearance. The vibrant flavor of lemon, paired with the sweetness of powdered sugar, creates a cookie that’s irresistible. Whether served at a summer gathering or baked during the holidays, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups (220g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Egg yolk: 1 large
- Lemon zest: 1 tbsp (from 1 large lemon)
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
For Coating:
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This step ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and helps the cookies maintain their crinkle shape.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 4: Roll and Coat
- Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and roll them between your palms.
- Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick, even coating.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are puffed and crinkled. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
History of Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Crinkle cookies originated from classic sugar cookies, with bakers adding creative twists to enhance flavors and textures. Lemon Crinkle Cookies likely emerged as a variation to highlight the refreshing citrus notes of lemon. They gained popularity for their beautiful cracked surface, achieved by coating the dough in sugar before baking, a technique perfected in mid-20th-century baking traditions.
Benefits
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon provides a burst of freshness.
- Energy Boost: These cookies are a great source of quick energy due to their sugar content.
- Comfort Food: Soft, chewy, and bright, they lift the spirits and make an excellent dessert for all occasions.
- Versatile: Can be adapted to include lime or orange zest for variety.
- Rich in Vitamin C:
- The lemon zest and juice provide a boost of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin health, and may help combat inflammation.
- Energy Boosting:
- With the combination of sugar and carbohydrates, these cookies offer a quick source of energy, making them an ideal snack to lift your spirits or fuel your body during a busy day.
- Mood Enhancer:
- The fresh, tangy lemon flavor can help improve mood and brighten your day. The act of baking itself also promotes relaxation and enjoyment, contributing to mental well-being.
- Satisfies Sweet Cravings:
- These cookies provide a balanced sweetness without being overly indulgent. They can be a satisfying treat when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth but don’t want to overdo it on richer desserts.
- Portable Snack:
- These cookies are easy to transport, making them a great option for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks. Their compact size and chewy texture make them easy to enjoy anywhere.
- Customizable:
- You can easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs—using alternatives like dairy-free butter or egg replacers for a vegan version or lowering the sugar for a more moderate option.
- Digestive Aid:
- The natural acidity of lemon can aid in digestion and may help promote a healthier gut, making these cookies not just tasty but potentially helpful for digestion.
- Rich in Antioxidants:
- Lemon is known for its antioxidant properties, which help to fight free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and wellness.
- Comforting Treat:
- There’s something comforting about homemade cookies, and the chewy, tangy texture of these lemon crinkle cookies provides both physical and emotional comfort, making them a perfect treat during stressful times.
By enjoying these Lemon Crinkle Cookies, you’re not just indulging in a delightful treat; you’re also benefiting from the nutritional properties of lemon, the joy of baking, and the comfort of sharing a homemade, delicious dessert.
Formation and Presentation
- Plating: Stack cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle with extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Gift Ideas: Place cookies in a clear bag or a decorative tin with a lemon-themed ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
- Pairing: Serve with hot tea, coffee, or lemonade for a delightful snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx. 2-inch)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Vitamin C: 4% of daily recommended intake (from lemon juice and zest)
- Calories: 120
- Macronutrients
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
Micronutrients
- Vitamin C: 4% of the Daily Recommended Intake (from lemon juice and zest)
- Calcium: 2% of the Daily Recommended Intake
- Iron: 2% of the Daily Recommended Intake
Additional Notes
- Energy-Dense: These cookies are high in carbohydrates and fats, making them a good energy-boosting snack.
- Low Fiber: Since the dough uses refined flour, these cookies have minimal fiber content, but the lemon zest provides some digestive benefits.
- Gluten: These cookies contain gluten from the all-purpose flour, so they are not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities unless the flour is substituted with a gluten-free option.
This makes the Lemon Crinkle Cookies a sweet, satisfying treat that’s relatively moderate in calories, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Conclusion
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a vibrant twist on traditional cookies, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying alone, these cookies brighten any occasion with their sunny flavor and unique appearance.
Lovers of Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Kids: Love the soft, chewy texture and sugary coating.
- Adults: Appreciate the refreshing citrus flavor paired with coffee or tea.
- Baking Enthusiasts: Enjoy the simplicity of the recipe and its striking visual appeal.
Baking these cookies is not just about creating a dessert but crafting moments of joy. Share them with loved ones and savor the smiles they bring!