Cookie Dough
Prepare the Lemon Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the caster sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers for about 2 minutes until the sugar turns slightly yellow, releasing the lemon oils.
Cream the Butter:
Add the butter and salt to the lemon sugar mixture. Mix until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Add Eggs and Lemon Juice:
Add the eggs and lemon juice, mixing with a whisk until combined. The mixture may look curdled, but it will come together once the flour is added.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the flour and baking powder in two additions, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft dough. The dough will be quite sticky.
Chill the Dough:
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 90 minutes, but you can chill it for up to 24 hours. Do not skip this step, as it helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
Coating and Baking
Form the Cookie Balls:
Use a 4 cm (1.5 inch) ice cream scoop or spoon to form chilled dough into balls.
Coat the Cookies:
Roll each cookie ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring an even coating.
Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the cookies on a lined baking tray, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) between each cookie. If needed, recoat cookies in powdered sugar just before baking to ensure a beautiful crinkle effect.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) with fan (upper and lower heat). Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn pale brown. The centers will be soft.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a glass of cold milk, tea, or a hot cup of coffee.
Pair with lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Cooking Tips
Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps achieve the crinkled appearance.
Double Coating: If the powdered sugar begins to dissolve into the dough, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar right before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
Lemon Zest: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, lemon zest adds flavor and health benefits.
Light in Fat: The recipe uses a moderate amount of butter, keeping the cookies light but still rich in flavor.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or animal derivatives apart from eggs and butter.
Nut-Free: Suitable for those with nut allergies, as it contains no nuts.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, estimated)
Calories: 90
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from fresh lemons.
Soft and Chewy: These cookies are irresistibly soft with a slightly crisp sugar coating.
Simple and Quick: Easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for any time of year.
Conclusion
These Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, fresh taste of lemon with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With their cheerful appearance and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Can I freeze the dough instead of chilling it?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is adequately chilled and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, and larger ones will need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is essential for the crinkle effect, but in a pinch, you can blend granulated sugar until fine.
Can I add poppy seeds or other flavors?
Adding poppy seeds or a hint of lavender can give the cookies a unique twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly set, and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter gives the cookies their flavor and texture; oil will alter these significantly.
How do I keep the cookies fresh longer?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Enjoy these vibrant, delicious cookies that bring a ray of sunshine to any day!
ADVERTISEMENT
