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The Ultimate Soft & Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies (Easy From Scratch Recipe)

Close-up of two delicious lemon crinkle cookies heavily dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate.
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Make these soft, chewy, and intensely zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies from scratch. They feature a bright citrus flavor and a beautiful powdered sugar coating, making them a perfect treat for spring, summer, or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth lemon dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined into a soft dough. Do not overmix.
  6. Place the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Place additional granulated sugar (for rolling) in a separate bowl.
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, coating completely.
  8. Next, roll the sugared ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar until heavily coated. This heavy coating helps create the crinkle effect.
  9. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will set as they cool.

Notes

  • For the best crinkle effect, ensure the powdered sugar coating is thick before baking. You can roll the cookies a second time in powdered sugar after they have chilled for 30 minutes if you prefer a heavier coat.
  • Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading, leading to better crinkles.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor in these tart and sweet cookies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/lemon-crinkle-cookies-recipe-soft-zesty/