Description
Zesty lemon crackle cookies deliver a tangy explosion of citrus delight with crisp exterior and tender center. Crackled sugar coating and bright lemon essence make these treats perfect for afternoon tea or casual dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package of lemon-flavored cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 whole lemon (zest)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, vegetable oil, lemon-flavored cake mix, and freshly grated lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Using a mini ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each piece completely in the powdered sugar, creating a generous white coating.
- Arrange coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading during baking. Maintain a consistent distance between cookies to ensure even cooking.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, watching carefully until cookies appear set and slightly firm. The edges should look just barely golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked without becoming overdry.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes to stabilize their structure. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely to room temperature, where they will develop their signature crackled exterior.
Notes
- Swap the lemon cake mix with other flavors like vanilla or white cake mix to create diverse cookie variations that suit different taste preferences.
- Maximize lemon flavor by using both lemon zest and a small splash of lemon extract, which intensifies the citrusy profile without altering the cookie’s delicate texture.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before coating and baking to prevent excessive spreading and create more uniform, perfectly shaped cookies.
- Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist, or use gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 101 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg