Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp juice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add lemon flavor: Mix in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture until well incorporated, giving the dough a bright citrus flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a sticky dough forms. Do not over-mix to maintain softness.
- Shape and coat dough balls: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. This creates the characteristic crinkled appearance after baking.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until cookies are slightly puffed and set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly while keeping their chewy texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not over-bake; cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
- Rolling the dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar is key to achieving the crinkle effect.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
