Treat yourself to the delightful tangy-sweet flavor of lemon crinkle cookies!
These soft and chewy cookies are bursting with bright lemony flavor and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkle effect.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a refreshing dessert, these lemon crinkle cookies are sure to brighten your day with every bite.
With a simple ingredient list and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies to share with family and friends or to enjoy as a special treat just for yourself.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup
- Eggs – 2
- Lemon zest – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Zester or grater
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill Dough:
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Form Dough into Balls:
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Roll in Powdered Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until coated.
Bake:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your lemon crinkle cookies!
Nutritional Facts
Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 120
Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Health Benefits
While Lemon Crinkle Cookies may not be as inherently nutritious as some other foods, they can still offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
Lemon:
Lemon zest and juice are commonly used in Lemon Crinkle Cookies, providing a burst of citrus flavor.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
They also contain flavonoids and other phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Portion Control:
Enjoying Lemon Crinkle Cookies in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Practicing portion control helps prevent overconsumption of calories and unhealthy fats, allowing you to indulge in your favorite treats without compromising your health goals.
Whole Grain Flour:
Some recipes for Lemon Crinkle Cookies may use whole grain flour instead of refined flour, increasing their fiber content and providing additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Whole grain flour supports digestive health, blood sugar control, and heart health.
Reduced Sugar Content:
While Lemon Crinkle Cookies typically contain sugar, some recipes may use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
Using natural sweeteners reduces the overall sugar content of the cookies while still providing sweetness and flavor.
Enjoyment and Mental Health:
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and enjoying homemade treats like Lemon Crinkle Cookies in moderation can contribute to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Taking the time to savor and enjoy your food mindfully can enhance the overall dining experience.
Sharing with Others:
Sharing homemade cookies with friends and family can strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of community.
Sharing treats in moderation allows you to enjoy the experience of baking and sharing without overindulging in excess calories or sugar.
While Lemon Crinkle Cookies may not be considered a health food, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Choosing recipes with wholesome ingredients, practicing portion control, and savoring treats mindfully can help you enjoy the occasional indulgence while still prioritizing your health and well-being.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are unavailable. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze the dough for later use.
3. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
4. Can I add extra lemon flavor to the cookies?
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest or juice in the recipe to suit your taste.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour to make gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies.