Lemon Crinkle Cookies (Print-Friendly Format)

Buttery cookies with fresh lemon juice and zest, rolled in sugar for a tangy, tender treat.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 250 g all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 115 g unsalted butter, softened
05 - 200 g granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 5-8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

→ For Rolling

11 - 50 g granulated sugar
12 - 90 g icing sugar (powdered sugar)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) to the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a consistent dough forms. Do not overmix.
05 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to firm up.
06 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Scoop portions of chilled dough using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
08 - Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in icing sugar until thoroughly coated.
09 - Place coated dough balls on prepared baking trays, leaving at least 5 cm between each ball.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Additional Information:

01 - For a more intense lemon flavor, add a drop or two of lemon extract; increasing lemon juice can affect dough consistency.
02 - Ensure dough is sufficiently chilled before baking to achieve the signature crinkle appearance and prevent excessive spreading.