Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for maximum aroma)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for tender cookies.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The citrus aroma will already start filling your kitchen!
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Shape the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating. This step gives the cookies their iconic crinkled appearance.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look crinkled. Avoid overbaking to retain their soft texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy the citrusy goodness!
Notes
- Fresh Lemons Are Key: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice—it doesn’t compare.
- Generous Coating of Powdered Sugar: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar. It’s what creates the signature crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft. Check for doneness when the edges are set but the center is still slightly underbaked.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg