Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Name: Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour; 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 cup unsalted dairy-free butter; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 1 egg, room temperature; 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 5, 2025

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Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies are one of those treats that instantly lift your spirits. With their bright, zesty flavor and cute crinkly appearance, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re gluten-free or just a cookie lover, these cookies are sure to bring joy. The chewy texture combined with the lovely lemon flavors creates a refreshing experience, making them perfect for any occasion. Imagine serving these little bursts of sunshine at a summer picnic or enjoying a few with your afternoon tea. They truly are a delightful indulgence that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

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Now, let’s jump right into this exciting recipe! Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll be coming back for more. They’re surprisingly simple to make—from mixing the dough to watching them bake and fill your home with that amazing lemon scent. Whether you’re making these for a gathering or just a special treat for yourself, the process is bound to be a fun experience. So grab your apron, and let’s bring some sweetness into your day with Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies!

What is Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the zesty flavor of lemon with a light, chewy texture. Perfect for those avoiding gluten, these cookies are made with gluten-free flour and are a crowd-pleaser for all cookie lovers. The lemon zest adds an invigorating burst of citrus that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies

You’ll absolutely adore these cookies! They aren’t just gluten-free; they also cater to dairy-free diets. This makes them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, so everyone can enjoy a sweet moment together. Imagine that perfect bite, with a crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy inside—it’s simply irresistible! The fresh, bright notes of lemon create a refreshing treat that’s great for any occasion. Cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy afternoon at home become even sweeter with these delicious bites.

Ingredients

To whip up these yummy cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 1/2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup unsalted dairy-free butter
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Preparing the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients

First off, you’ll want to gather your dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, xanthan gum (if using), cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. This will create a nice blend to bring those cookies to life! Once mixed, set the bowl aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl, cream the dairy-free butter and granulated sugar. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to achieve that light and fluffy texture. The creaminess you develop here is essential for those perfect cookies.

Add Egg, Lemon Juice, Zest, and Vanilla

Next, it’s time to add in your wet ingredients. Crack the room-temperature egg into your butter-sugar mixture, followed by the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This is where the magic begins!

Add Flour Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is thick, sticky, and creamy. This process blends all those lovely flavors together, creating the base for our delightful cookies.

Chill Dough

Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours. Chilling is key here. It makes handling the dough easier and leads to better texture.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat and Line

While that dough is chilling, let’s get the oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Form Dough Balls

After your dough has chilled, it’s time to shape your cookies. Using a cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Don’t worry; they don’t have to be perfect—just round.

Roll in Powdered Sugar

In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until they’re fully coated. This step adds that wonderful sweetness and creates the signature crinkle look once baked.

Place on Baking Sheet and Flatten

Arrange the dough balls on your baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. To give them a nice shape, gently press down on each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Just a light touch will do—don’t squash them too much!

Bake Until Golden

Now it’s showtime! Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges; they should turn lightly golden.

Cool Cookies Completely

Once they’re baked to perfection, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer them to a cooling rack. Allowing them to cool completely is vital for the ideal texture and flavor.

Enjoy

Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Relish each bite of that sweet, zesty flavor!

Serving Suggestions

What’s great about these cookies is how well they pair with drinks! They go perfectly with a glass of iced tea or a hot cup of coffee. You can also serve them at gatherings or bring them alongside refreshing fruit salads. Impress your guests or simply indulge yourself; the options are endless.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out great:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for the right cookie texture.
If you love citrus, experiment with adding more lemon zest for a stronger flavor.

Variations

Feel free to play with this recipe! Here are a couple of ideas:

Add-In Ideas: If you want to amp up the lemon flavor, consider adding lemon-flavored chips.
Gluten Free Flour: Stick with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re not eating them all right away, freeze them in a zip-lock bag, and thaw when needed. They’ll be ready to enjoy anytime!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Certainly! Just replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and you’re good to go.

2. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough for a longer time and make sure each dough ball is well-coated in powdered sugar.

3. What other flavors can I add?
Try adding a hint of almond extract for a unique twist that complements the lemon beautifully!

4. Can I use regular flour?
While you can, this recipe is specifically crafted for gluten-free flour to ensure it works perfectly.

5. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough overly sticky, just add a small amount of gluten-free flour until it’s manageable.

Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies offer a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite. They’re not just a delicious treat; they’re a versatile dessert that can fit into various dietary needs. Perfect for sharing, enjoying with friends, or simply indulging in on your own, these cookies will bring sunshine into every occasion. Try making a batch today and brighten up your cookie repertoire!

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