Meyer Lemon Cardamom Crinkle Cookies

Level: Easy

Makes: 18 cookies (6 servings)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving 1/6 of recipe)

Calories: 478
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 76g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 44g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 368mg

Time

Total Time: 38 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients

9 oz all-purpose flour (about 1 3/4 cups), sifted
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
Finely grated zest from 4 Meyer lemons
1/2 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar, sifted
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350F and prepare two baking sheets.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and Meyer lemon zest until evenly combined; set aside.
Sift the confectioners' sugar into a separate bowl to remove lumps and set aside for rolling.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on low for about 20 seconds to spread it around the bowl, then increase speed slightly and slowly add the granulated sugar. Beat for about 2 minutes until creamy.
Scrape down the bowl, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium until incorporated, then mix in the vanilla.
With the mixer stopped, add the dry ingredients and mix on the lowest speed just until the flour disappearsdo not overmix.
Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon (No. 40) scoop to portion the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball thoroughly in the sifted powdered sugar and place them at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 1314 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and the cookies are puffed (they will not brown). Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.

Notes & Serving

The creaming of butter and sugar creates tiny air pockets that expand during bakingtogether with the baking powder, this yields a tender, cake-like crumb with a lightly crisp edge and a soft, pillowy interior.

The bright, sweet-tart Meyer lemon zest pairs beautifully with the warm, floral notes of cardamom for a fragrant finish; if Meyer lemons aren't available, regular lemons will still give excellent citrus flavor. Rolling the dough in sifted powdered sugar before baking creates the distinctive crinkle pattern as the cookies puff and crack.

Recipe adapted from Joanne Maurer Ozug, Cooking Channel.