Lemon Crinkle Cookies

When life gives you lemons… make lemon cookies! I’ve found that people either really love lemon-flavored treats or dislike them. I personally love this fragrant citrus flavor in desserts like cookies, tarts, cupcakes, pies, etc. I decided to make lemon crinkle cookies for my co-workers who also happen to favor the tartness. These cookies turned out delicious with a chewy texture and fresh lemon flavor. Even better – the “award-winning” recipe was quick and simple.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe (yields 24-30 cookies):

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter, softened (I used unsalted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (1/2 – 1 lemon)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray, or line sheets with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients together (salt, baking powder and soda, flour)
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients.
4. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll teaspoon-size balls of dough into the sugar.
5. Place powdered cookie dough balls on baking sheets evenly spaced apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte. Cool for a few minutes and transfer to wire rack.

Jamie’s tips for this recipe:

• If you’re a lemon fan like I am, I would suggest adding a little bit more lemon juice/zest next time for an extra kick.
• The amount of powdered sugar for rolling the dough balls in was a little too much, so I reduced it from 1/2 cup to 1/3 cup.
• From what I’ve read – if you decide to use parchment paper, be prepared for thinner cookies.
• Feel free to make a lemon icing to spread on the cookies – I personally think they taste great on their own sans frosting.

I want to take a moment to reflect on last week’s tragic events at the Boston Marathon and at MIT. As a Boston native, I was heartbroken when I heard about the senseless acts of violence happening to the wonderful city that I was born in, grew up in, and call home. My heart goes out to all the victims and those affected. We are Boston Strong.