Lemon Crackle Cookies

Just after the holidays I enjoy making the occasional departure from richness, and trade it for lighter and fresher flavors. A group of friends and I are getting together for a low-key tea-sipping and crafting session, so I’ve been on the lookout for an energizing recipe. Hunting for sweet recipes based in the anticipation of Spring, made this citrusy treat irresistible!

Ingredients:
Adapted from a recipe by Diva Di Cucina.

• 2 15.25 ounce boxes of lemon cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• Zest from two lemons
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Things You’ll Need:
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• 2 large cookie sheets
• 2 teaspoons
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 bowl

Method:
When I saw the components of this recipe I was turned off at first by the thought of using cake mix as my cookie base. On the other hand, spending only half an hour baking for a remarkable citrus cookie is absolutely worth the try.

In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and granulated sugar; use a whisk to incorporate them. Next, mix in the lemon cake mixes; the batter will be very sticky, much like taffy. Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit.

Now, fill the additional bowl with powdered sugar. Use one teaspoon to scoop the dough for your cookie, and the other to scrape the dough into the powdered sugar, and roll to coat each cookie. Place about an inch and a half apart on the cookie sheet. I prefer chewy cookies, and this recipe has been modified from the original to reflect that. I’m also a firm believer in the kitchen timer on the microwave, but of course, you can use whatever works best for you. I filled both cookie sheets and placed them in the oven at the same time. I found that when I allowed for the cookies to slightly change in color, they were more cake-like than I like. A strict 5 minutes worked best for me. They spread and rise slightly, and will be golden brown on the bottom (which you will see after they cool). Let the cookies cool for at least 15 minutes before removing them from the cookie sheet, as to allow them to harden and deflate a little. The crackle effect comes from the breaks in the powdered sugar coating, and proves to be similar to handling powdered donuts- super cute!

I served a heaping plate of these cookies while we all drank tea. I decorated each tin tie bag with big and bright labels in the style of French Market, and an adorable scalloped hang tag in the style of Katniss. Then, before we got back to our busy lives, I filled bags with a handful for each friend to take away.

Helpful Links:

• Large Labels • I chose the “French Market” style in Sunburst.
• Scallop Tags • I chose the “Katniss” style in Sunburst.
• Tin Tie Bags • I chose the large size in white.

More homemade gift ideas from Eloquaint Zoe:

Homemade Rock Candy	Cheese Crackers	Orangesicle Cupcakes	Key Lime Mounds

Shop Our Food/Craft Collection:

• Food/craft labels
• Food/craft tags
• Canning Labels

Zoe (64 Posts)

Zoe is born and bred in Portland, Oregon and recently moved to Orlando, Florida. She studied sociology and philosophy at University of Oregon, and is currently employed at a law firm. Presently, she devotes her time to being lost in the tropical vegetation of her backyard, sun-scorched bike rides, repurposing everything she can think of, quirky cooking, and promoting the creative lifestyle that she loves.