Description
This lemon crinkle cookie recipe, named Sugared Sunshine Cracks, yields soft, chewy, tangy-sweet cookies. It is a quick and easy dessert, perfect for families and made with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (from 2–3 medium lemons)
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup confectioners’ sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter And Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy and visibly pale.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. (If dough looks too dry, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice).
- Chill The Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The dough should feel firm.
- Roll In Sugar: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Scoop 1-inch dough balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in confectioners’ sugar.
- Bake To Perfection: Place prepared dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes. The edges will be lightly set, and the centers will still look soft and slightly puffy; do not overbake!
Notes
Always use fresh, bright yellow lemons for the most vibrant zest and juice. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 baking blend. For a dairy-free friendly recipe, use a high-quality stick dairy-free butter. Ensure your dough is well-chilled (at least 30 minutes) and your oven is fully preheated to 375F (190C) to prevent spreading. Generously coat dough balls in confectioners’ sugar for the best crinkles. Do not overbake; cookies should have lightly set edges and soft, puffy centers.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: lemon crinkle cookies, easy dessert, family-friendly, tangy-sweet, baking, quick, chewy, lemon zest, powdered sugar