Welcome the vibrant spirit of spring with Lemon Crinkle Cookies, a delightful dessert that combines the zesty tang of lemon with the cheerful hues of springtime. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their bright colors and crinkled texture, but they also offer a burst of fresh lemon flavor that is sure to please at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons lemon zest
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- Wilton Color Right food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, purple)
- ½-1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Lemon:
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, fully mixing each one before adding the next. Follow with the lemon juice and zest, ensuring the mixture is well blended.
- Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix in the baking powder and flour until the dough is consistent and holds together.
- Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Using food coloring, tint each portion with a different color: pink, blue, yellow, and purple. Mix thoroughly to achieve vivid colors.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the colored dough for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Shape and Sugar:
- Once chilled, roll the dough into balls, approximately one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat it fully, which helps create the signature crinkle look when baked.
- Bake:
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, spaced out to allow for slight spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be just starting to turn golden around the edges when they are done.
Tips
- Chilling the Dough: It’s essential to chill the dough thoroughly. This not only makes it easier to work with but also enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Cookie Size: Keep the cookie balls uniformly sized for even baking.
- Doneness: Watch the cookies closely as they bake. They are perfect when they are just barely golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking will diminish the crinkly texture and can make the cookies too crisp.
Conclusion
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect addition to any spring table, offering a refreshing lemon flavor with a fun burst of color. They are ideal for celebrations, afternoon teas, or as a bright treat to liven up any day. These cookies are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat, allowing for creativity with colors and decorations. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear as quickly as they brighten up your dessert table!