Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Favorite

Serve: These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, gift-giving, or as a refreshing snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can even serve them as a light dessert after a summer meal.
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve.
Make Ahead: You can also prepare the dough in advance. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, and bake as needed.
Variants:

Orange Crinkle Cookies: Replace the lemon zest and juice with orange for a citrusy twist. This variation gives the cookies a sweeter, less tart flavor while still maintaining that bright, fresh taste.
Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a fun, crunchy texture that complements the lemon flavor.
FAQ:

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the cookies the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, the zest is essential for that burst of lemony fragrance and taste, so try to use fresh lemons if possible.

Why do my cookies not crinkle? The crinkle effect comes from the powdered sugar coating. If the cookies don’t crinkle, it might be because the dough balls weren’t coated enough in powdered sugar, or they were baked too long. Make sure to coat the dough balls generously and keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I make these cookies without the powdered sugar coating? Yes! If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the powdered sugar coating. The cookies won’t have the crinkly texture, but they’ll still be delicious and soft.

Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is ideal for these cookies, margarine can be used as a substitute. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The light, airy texture and refreshing lemon flavor will surely make these cookies a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just for yourself, they’re sure to brighten your day!