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Easy Crinkle Cookies (Chocolate or Lemon)

Rose
These easy crinkle cookies deliver soft, chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, and a beautiful powdered sugar crackle. Made with one flexible base dough, you can choose between rich chocolate or bright, zesty lemon for a crowd-pleasing cookie that’s simple to bake and always impressive.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 13 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • whisk
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • all-purpose flour
  • cornstarch
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • unsalted butter, softened
  • granulated sugar
  • large egg
  • vanilla extract
  • fresh lemon juice (lemon version)
  • fresh lemon zest (lemon version)
  • unsweetened cocoa powder or melted semisweet chocolate (chocolate version)
  • confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, for rolling

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. For lemon cookies, mix in lemon juice and zest. For chocolate cookies, mix in cocoa powder or cooled melted chocolate.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up and help create the crinkle effect.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll generously in powdered sugar.
  • Bake for 12–13 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft. Cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Always chill the dough for best results. Roll generously in powdered sugar to ensure bold cracks. Slightly underbake for soft centers, and use room-temperature butter and egg for smoother mixing.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword chocolate crinkle cookies, crinkle cookies, easy cookie recipe, lemon crinkle cookies
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