Lemon Crinkle Cookies

If you love cookies that are bursting with fresh, citrusy flavor, then these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Picture this: a soft, chewy cookie with a slight crispness on the outside, all dusted with powdered sugar, and packed with the refreshing zing of lemon. Each bite is like a little burst of sunshine, and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat! These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, sharing them with friends, or just indulging in a little something sweet.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are truly a treat for the senses, and here’s why you’re going to love them:

Bright and Refreshing: The zesty lemon flavor brings a burst of freshness that’s perfect for when you need a pick-me-up or a sweet treat that feels light but indulgent.

Soft and Chewy: The texture of these cookies is simply perfection. They’re soft and chewy with a slight crispness on the outside, creating the perfect balance of textures.

A Touch of Sweetness: The powdered sugar coating not only adds an extra touch of sweetness but also gives these cookies that classic crinkled appearance, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Quick and Easy: You can have these cookies ready in no time. No complicated steps, just mix, roll, and bake. It’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can follow.

Versatile for Any Occasion: These cookies are perfect for all sorts of events, from summer BBQs to holiday cookie exchanges, or just a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are made with just a few basic ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour

The base of these cookies, flour gives them structure and helps create the perfect chewy texture.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the cookies rise and gives them that light, airy texture.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor, making the cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature crinkled look when rolled on the outside.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together, creating that soft, chewy texture inside the cookies.

Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice

The star of the show! Fresh lemon zest and juice give these cookies a bright, citrusy flavor that’s both tangy and sweet.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is easy and fun! Here’s how to create these zesty little bites:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for the cookies. You’ll want it to be fully heated so the cookies bake evenly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll into balls.

Roll the Dough

Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until it’s generously coated.

Bake

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Let Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re fully cooled, serve these Lemon Crinkle Cookies to your friends and family—or enjoy them yourself with a cup of tea. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s how to enjoy them:

With Tea or Coffee: Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a delightful treat for an afternoon break.

At a Party or Gathering: These cookies are a hit at parties, family gatherings, or holiday cookie exchanges. Their bright lemon flavor makes them a refreshing change from the usual holiday sweets.

As a Gift: Package a few of these cookies in a cute box or jar and give them as a homemade gift. They’re sure to brighten anyone’s day.

As a Snack: Keep a batch on hand for when you need a sweet snack. They’re perfect for when a lemony craving strikes!

With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream between two of these cookies for an indulgent treat!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Lemon Crinkle Cookies turn out perfect every time:

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is key for getting those perfect crinkles. It helps the dough firm up and makes rolling easier.

Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for the zest and juice. The natural citrus oils in the zest give the cookies a more vibrant lemon flavor.

Don’t Over-Bake: These cookies are meant to be soft in the center, so be sure not to over-bake them. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.

Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar: For that signature crinkle effect, roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. The sugar creates the cracks and helps the cookies rise beautifully.

Try a Lemon Glaze: For an extra lemony punch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?
A1: Yes! You can substitute lime, orange, or even grapefruit zest and juice for a different citrusy twist.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and then roll in powdered sugar before baking.

Q3: How do I store Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredients for any additional modifications.

Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A5: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Q6: Can I add more lemon zest?
A6: If you love a strong lemon flavor, feel free to add a little more zest. Just keep in mind that too much can overpower the cookies.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just make sure to bake in batches if you don’t have enough space on your baking sheet.

Q8: How can I make these cookies even more flavorful?
A8: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lemon.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A9: Yes! A handful of white or milk chocolate chips would make a delicious addition to these cookies for a sweet twist.

Q10: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A10: Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat when you need something light, sweet, and refreshingly citrusy. Their bright lemon flavor, chewy texture, and signature powdered sugar crinkles make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out, and enjoy a little slice of sunshine in every bite!

Print