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The Ultimate Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies (From Scratch)

A stack of bright yellow lemon crinkle cookies generously dusted with powdered sugar, resting on a white plate.
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Bake soft, chewy lemon crinkle cookies bursting with bright citrus flavor. This recipe delivers the perfect tangy sweetness and signature powdered sugar crust for an irresistible homemade treat.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  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 remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the 1 cup of powdered sugar into two separate shallow dishes.
  7. Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. First, roll each ball lightly in the granulated sugar, then thoroughly coat it in the powdered sugar, pressing gently to help the sugar adhere.
  8. Place the coated dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven 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 bright lemon flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice, not bottled.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is very warm; this helps prevent spreading.
  • To achieve maximum crinkles, ensure the powdered sugar coating is thick and completely covers the dough ball before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/lemon-crinkle-cookies-soft-chewy-recipe/