If you're a fan of bright, zesty, and sweet treats, you're in for a real delight with these Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Packed with fresh lemon flavor and covered in powdered sugar, they’re soft, chewy, and bursting with citrusy goodness. Perfect for dessert tables, tea parties, or just as a delicious afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Keep reading to uncover every juicy detail and learn how to make this irresistible Lemon Crinkle Cookie recipe!
What Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, citrus-flavored cookies that have a delightful crinkled appearance. As they bake, the dough balls are rolled in powdered sugar, and as they expand, the surface cracks, creating a beautiful contrast between the bright yellow cookie and the white sugar coating. The result is a cookie that is visually stunning and packed with vibrant lemony flavor in every bite.
Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients you'll need to whip up these delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- All-purpose flour - 2 ½ cups (for structure and softness)
- Baking powder - 1 teaspoon (to help the cookies rise)
- Salt - ½ teaspoon (to balance the sweetness)
- Granulated sugar - 1 cup (for sweetness and tenderness)
- Unsalted butter - ½ cup, softened (for richness)
- Eggs - 2 large (for moisture and binding)
- Lemon zest - 2 tablespoons (for an intense lemon flavor)
- Lemon juice - ¼ cup, freshly squeezed (for zesty tartness)
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon (to complement the lemon flavor)
- Powdered sugar - 1 cup (for rolling the dough and giving the crinkle effect)
Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies (In Detail)
- Flour: This forms the base of your cookies and ensures a soft texture. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid dry cookies.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your cookies their puffy, chewy consistency.
- Salt: Just a little helps balance the flavors, making the lemon pop even more.
- Granulated sugar: The main sweetener, helping create that lovely crackly texture on the inside.
- Butter: Room-temperature butter adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Eggs: The eggs bind everything together and add moisture, contributing to the soft and chewy texture.
- Lemon zest and juice: Fresh lemons give the best flavor. The zest holds intense lemon oils, while the juice gives it that tangy kick.
- Vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor of the lemon, making the cookies taste more complex and aromatic.
- Powdered sugar: This is essential for that classic crinkle cookie look. As the cookies bake, the sugar coating cracks, giving a beautiful finish.
Substitutions and Variations
If you're missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter Substitution: If you want a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or margarine. Make sure it's softened for similar texture.
- Egg Alternatives: To make it egg-free, try using a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for 10 minutes before adding to the dough.
- Lemon Extract: If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use lemon extract. Replace the zest and juice with about 2 teaspoons of lemon extract.
- Orange or Lime Crinkle Cookies: For a twist on the recipe, swap out lemon zest and juice for orange or lime for a different citrusy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar-Free Option: For a sugar-free variation, try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. You can also use a sugar-free powdered sugar for rolling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure it’s fully coated. This step gives the cookies their signature crinkle look.
- Bake: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring a soft center.
- Cool and enjoy your tangy, sweet Lemon Crinkle Cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: The cookies should be soft in the middle, so avoid baking until they’re fully hard. This will result in dry cookies.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their crinkle shape.
- Too little lemon flavor: Make sure to use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum flavor. Using only bottled lemon juice will result in a less vibrant taste.
- Not enough powdered sugar: If you don't coat the dough balls well enough, you won’t get that crinkle effect. Be generous when rolling the dough in powdered sugar.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are versatile, and their vibrant color makes them an excellent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or giving them as a gift, here are some tips for serving and presentation:
- On a platter: Arrange the cookies in layers on a white or light-colored platter to highlight their beautiful crinkles and contrast with the powdered sugar.
- With a drink: These cookies pair wonderfully with tea, lemonade, or even a glass of milk for a comforting snack.
- Gift idea: Stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie it with a yellow ribbon, and give them as a sweet homemade gift.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven, or you can store them for later. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Fresh and warm: Serve them warm with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a little added sweetness.
- As a tea-time treat: Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair perfectly with tea or a light coffee, making them ideal for an afternoon snack.
- With ice cream: For a special treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or lemon-flavored ice cream between two cookies for a lemony ice cream sandwich.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Colorful plating: Serve the cookies on a bright yellow or pastel plate to complement their lemony hue.
- Gift box: Pack the cookies in a decorative tin or gift box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful, homemade present.
- Cookie towers: Stack the cookies in a tower on a cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece at parties.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough: This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and gives them their distinctive crinkle.
- Use fresh lemons: Always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest to get the brightest and best flavor.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Too much flour can make the cookies dense, so measure using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Bake one sheet at a time: For even baking, bake one cookie sheet at a time in the center of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the dough balls after rolling them in powdered sugar. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Lemon Crinkle Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but if you must use bottled, make sure it’s pure lemon juice without added sweeteners.
Conclusion
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to brighten up your day. Follow the recipe step by step, and don't forget to experiment with different variations to make them your own. Happy baking, and enjoy the zesty goodness of Lemon Crinkle Cookies!
PrintLemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a zesty, soft, and chewy treat with a bright lemon flavor. This easy cookie recipe is perfect for citrus lovers and ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat with powdered sugar.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- Make sure to fully coat the cookies in powdered sugar for a signature crinkle look.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
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