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Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

A stack of bright yellow lemon crinkle cookies dusted heavily with powdered sugar, one cookie broken open to show the soft interior.

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Make these soft, chewy lemon crinkle cookies that burst with bright citrus flavor and feature a beautiful powdered sugar coating. This recipe delivers a refreshing, tangy sweet cookie that is easy to prepare from scratch.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just 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 a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
  7. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar until completely coated.
  8. Place the coated balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between them.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft.
  10. 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 dough balls are heavily coated in powdered sugar before baking.
  • You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead; chill it, then roll and bake when ready.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most intense, bright flavor in your zesty citrus dessert.

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