Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Brighten your day with these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and coated in powdered sugar, these chewy and soft cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their beautiful crinkle tops and refreshing taste make them an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and sure to impress, add these cookies to your baking repertoire today!

Ruby Lawson

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2025-11-28T11:26:19.845Z

Everyone loves cookies, and these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a perfect way to bring a little sunshine into your day. They're soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home!

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the sweetness of sugar with the bright tartness of fresh lemons. The addition of lemon juice and zest elevates the flavor profile, making these cookies a refreshing alternative to traditional sweets. With each bite, you’ll experience a soft, chewy texture combined with invigorating citrus notes that awaken your palate. This harmonious blend is what sets these cookies apart and makes them a favorite among lemon lovers.

Beyond their superb flavor, the visual appeal of Lemon Crinkle Cookies is simply irresistible. The sugary coating creates a beautiful contrast against the pale yellow dough, with the crinkles enhancing their charm. When baked, the cookies develop a delightful texture that is soft on the inside yet slightly crispy on the outside, ensuring that they tempt not only the taste buds but also the eyes. These cookies are bound to stand out on any dessert table.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you're planning a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in an afternoon treat, Lemon Crinkle Cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their vibrant flavor and appealing look make them an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, or bake sales. People of all ages are drawn to the zesty aroma and sweet taste, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Furthermore, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen. They are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, from summer picnics to holiday cookie exchanges. Keep a jar of these scrumptious cookies on your kitchen counter, and you'll find yourself reaching for them again and again.

Tips for Perfectly Crinkled Cookies

To achieve the perfect crinkle effect on your cookies, ensure that your oven is preheated properly. An accurate temperature helps the cookies rise quickly while baking, creating those desirable crinkles on the surface. Additionally, don’t skip rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking, as this not only adds a sweet coating but also contributes to the cookies' lovely appearance.

If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, consider experimenting with flavored extracts or even mixing in white chocolate chips for added sweetness. Remember to chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies. This can help them maintain their shape and enhance the overall texture, ensuring each bite is a delight!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let's get baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.

Bake

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Crinkle Cookies!

Storage Tips

To keep your Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. If you live in a humid climate, consider placing a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture, as cookies can quickly lose their appeal in excessive humidity.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just roll them in powdered sugar and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply cook them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for freshly baked cookies any time you crave them.

Nutritional Information

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat to indulge in, but it's important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each cookie roughly contains around 100 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used. They provide a small burst of energy, thanks to the sugars and carbohydrates, making them a perfect pick-me-up during the day.

To lighten the recipe, you can consider substituting some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or experimenting with alternative sweeteners. This way, you can still enjoy these zesty delights while making them a bit healthier without compromising on taste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute lemon juice?

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons give the best flavor.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Brighten your day with these delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and coated in powdered sugar, these chewy and soft cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their beautiful crinkle tops and refreshing taste make them an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and sure to impress, add these cookies to your baking repertoire today!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Ruby Lawson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1 cup granulated sugar
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  8. Zest of 1 lemon
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.

Step 06

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 07

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 1g