The moment the first candle flickers to life during the holiday season, my kitchen comes alive with the delightful aroma of baking. This year, I decided to sweeten our celebrations with a batch of Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies. The bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon paired with that signature chewy texture creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing—or indulging all by yourself!
As I sifted through my pantry, I rediscovered a stash of lemons just waiting to bring a burst of sunshine to those winter evenings. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it also delivers a stunning visual display with its charming, crackled sugar coating. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert that will impress guests or simply craving a burst of flavor over the holiday season, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a mouthwatering adventure that will fill your home with warmth and cheer!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- These Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time celebrating the holidays instead of baking in the kitchen.
- The bright and zesty lemon flavor brings a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the festive season, delighting everyone who takes a bite.
- Their beautiful crackled sugar coating adds a delightful visual appeal that makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table or gift platter.
- These cookies are sure to please a crowd, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• All-purpose flour – provides the perfect base for a chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful crinkle effect.
• Baking powder – ensures your cookies rise beautifully, giving them that lovely fluffy center.
• Salt – enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – brings richness; soften it well for a smoother dough.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Fresh lemon juice – infuses a vibrant, zesty flavor into your Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
For Rolling
• Powdered sugar – provides the sweet, snowy coating that gives these cookies their signature appearance.
How to Make Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked cookie with a nice, chewy center and lovely crackled top.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This step is crucial for ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agents, which helps the cookies rise nicely.
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Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until fluffy. You want a light, creamy mixture that will create a tender texture in your cookies.
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Combine the egg and fresh lemon juice with the butter mixture; mix well. This adds moisture and infuses the cookies with that vibrant lemon flavor we’re aiming for.
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Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed. Avoid over-mixing to ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy.
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Scoop out dough balls (about two tablespoons each) and roll them in powdered sugar. Place these on lined baking sheets, leaving room for them to spread as they bake.
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Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until they crackle and are just set on the edges. Allow them to cool on wire racks for that perfect texture.
Optional: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. Avoid stacking them to prevent sticking.
Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
What to Serve with Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
The perfect celebration deserves the perfect pairings to elevate your delightful holiday treat experience.
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Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A cozy drink that perfectly complements the bright lemon flavor, adding warmth and spiciness to each cookie bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream balances the chewy cookies, turning them into a delightful dessert sundae experience.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the citrusy notes of the cookies while adding a burst of color to your dessert spread.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This festive drink brings a rich, chocolatey indulgence with a hint of mint, creating a comforting and festive pairing.
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Gingerbread Cookies: A classic addition, these spiced cookies wrapped in nostalgia create a wonderful contrast to the zesty lemon, offering a delightful flavor journey.
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Lemonade Spritzer: For a refreshing option, a fizzy lemonade spritzer can amplify the zesty lemon notes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Pairing these treats with your Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies will surely spread joy and warmth throughout your home during the festive season!
Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Variations
Let your creativity shine by exploring these fun twists on the classic cookie recipe!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure it contains a binding agent to achieve the right texture.
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Butter Alternative: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still delivers that rich flavor. The cookies will have a hint of tropical goodness!
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Zesty Variants: Add lemon zest along with the fresh lemon juice to intensify the citrus flavor. It introduces a delightful fragrance and extra zing that will please lemon lovers.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh rosemary for a unique twist that pairs remarkably well with the sweetness of the cookies, creating an elevated flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a surprising heat that complements the lemon’s brightness perfectly. It’s an adventurous take that leaves a lasting impression!
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Dried Fruits: Fold in dried cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture and a bit of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness. This adds a festive flair!
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Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finish for those special occasions.
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Sugar Swap: For a lower-calorie option, replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol, ensuring everyone can indulge without guilt. Choose one that measures cup-for-cup for ease!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following steps 1-5 and then refrigerating it in an airtight container. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures that the dough remains fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the chilled dough, roll it in powdered sugar, and proceed with step 6, adjusting the baking time by a minute as chilled dough may take slightly longer to cook. Rest assured, your cookies will come out just as delicious and chewy, ready to delight family and friends!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies, remember to soften your butter adequately to ensure it creams well with sugar, creating a light and airy mixture.
- Avoid over-mixing your dough when combining the wet and dry ingredients as this can lead to tougher cookies; mix until just combined.
- It’s best to use fresh lemon juice to maximize the bright, zesty flavor in your cookies, so squeeze right before incorporating it.
- When baking, keep an eye on the cookies as they can go from perfectly crackled to overdone quickly, so test for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right lemons for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as this may indicate overripeness. Fresh, bright-colored lemons will provide the best juice and flavor for your Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
How should I store my Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
For room temperature storage, simply place your cookies in an airtight container and enjoy them within 3 days for optimal softness. If you prefer to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to let them warm up to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze my Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, first lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until fully frozen. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a freshly-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies spread excessively, it could be due to the butter being too soft or warm when mixed with sugar. To troubleshoot, make sure to chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and results in that lovely chewy texture you’re aiming for.
Are there any allergy considerations with these cookies?
When making Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies, be mindful of potential allergies. Common ingredients include eggs, butter, and gluten from flour. For egg allergies, you can substitute with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.
How do I keep my powdered sugar from clumping?
To avoid clumping in your powdered sugar, make sure it is stored in a cool, dry place. If you notice clumps forming, just sift it through a fine mesh sieve before rolling your cookie dough. This step ensures the sugar blends evenly and helps maintain that beautiful, crackled appearance on your Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice preferably freshly squeezed
For Rolling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
How to Make Christmas Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until fluffy.
- Combine the egg and fresh lemon juice with the butter mixture; mix well.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Scoop out dough balls (about two tablespoons each) and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until they crackle and are just set on the edges.
- Allow them to cool on wire racks.
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