Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Bright & Soft Sweet Treats

Crisp and zesty, these delightful lemon crinkle cookies dance with bright, tangy flavor.

The classic crinkle cookie meets a sunny lemon twist that brightens any dessert spread.

Powdered sugar creates a stunning crackled exterior that hints at the soft, tender interior waiting inside.

Refreshing citrus notes weave through each delectable bite, making these cookies an irresistible treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple yet impressive dessert in no time.

Serve these sunshine-packed cookies at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Lemon Crinkle Cookies Are Bright and Sweet

• These lemon crinkle cookies pack a zesty punch that instantly brightens your mood with their vibrant lemon flavor and tangy aroma.
• Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it a foolproof dessert that looks professionally made.
• Lightweight, elegant, and visually stunning with their signature crackled sugar coating, these cookies are ideal for potlucks, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Whether you're celebrating summer, hosting a brunch, or craving a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies adapt beautifully to any occasion and always bring a smile.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Gives a bright, tangy flavor to the cookies.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon flavor and aromatic notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, complementary flavor to the lemon.
• Yellow Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to enhance the lemon-like appearance.

• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, crisp exterior to the cookies.

How to Make Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, baking soda, and salt.

Give them a quick mix and set aside while you prepare the magical wet ingredients that will bring these cookies to life.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Keep mixing for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and creamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Flavor Boosters

Drop in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a touch of yellow food coloring if you want.

Mix everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like sunshine in a bowl.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed, being careful not to overwork the dough.

You want a soft, slightly sticky texture that promises delightful cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and park it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

This resting time helps the flavors mingle and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop out the chilled dough and roll into perfect little balls.

Keep them uniform so they bake evenly and look Instagram-worthy.

Step 8: Create the Crinkle Coating

Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then go wild with a generous powdered sugar coating.

This double-dip technique creates those gorgeous crinkly tops that make these cookies irresistible.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sugar-coated balls on the baking sheets, giving them some breathing room.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers stay soft and dreamy.

Step 10: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Now comes the best part – enjoying your zesty, sweet, crinkly masterpiece with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor development and prevent cookie spread during baking.
• Roll cookies first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar to achieve perfect crinkle texture and beautiful appearance.
• Watch cookies closely during last 2 minutes of baking to ensure golden edges while maintaining soft, tender centers.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice which can taste less intense.
• Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, then roll in sugars and bake as directed.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Lemon Cookie Pairings That Work Well

• Pair Zesty Lemon Cookies with Complementary Flavors
• Brew Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral and bergamot notes will beautifully enhance the bright lemon undertones of the cookies, creating a delicate and sophisticated pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Gelato: The creamy, smooth sweetness of vanilla gelato will balance the tangy lemon cookies, providing a rich and refreshing contrast that delights the palate.
• Create Blueberry Compote Drizzle: Spoon a homemade blueberry compote over or beside the cookies to add a fruity, slightly tart element that complements the lemon's citrusy profile and adds vibrant color to the dessert plate.
• Offer Honey Chamomile Iced Tea: A cool, soothing honey chamomile beverage will harmonize with the cookies' bright flavor, offering a light and elegant drink that enhances the overall taste experience.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Citrus Crinkle Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use plant-based food coloring if needed for yellow hue.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Cookies: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the bright lemon flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Lemon Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, incorporate cream cheese for moisture. Add extra lemon zest to enhance citrusy notes while keeping carbohydrate count low.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to develop more deeply. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls.

• Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

The powdered sugar is crucial for creating the signature crinkle effect and gives the cookies their distinctive crackled appearance. Without it, you won’t get the classic crinkle cookie look and texture.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a set but soft center. The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

• What if I don't have fresh lemons for zest?

You can use bottled lemon juice and skip the zest, but fresh lemon zest provides the most vibrant and authentic lemon flavor to the cookies.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon crinkle cookies bring zesty sunshine to classic cookie comfort. Sweet-tart crinkled edges and powdered sugar coating promise refreshing citrus joy you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5–8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, setting aside for later use.
2. Cream softened butter and sugar in a stand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and optional yellow food coloring into the butter mixture, blending until thoroughly integrated.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a soft, slightly tacky dough consistency.
5. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and enhance flavor development.
6. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
7. Portion dough using a cookie scoop, forming uniform spherical shapes for consistent baking.
8. Create a dual-layer sugar coating by first rolling dough balls in granulated sugar, then generously dusting with powdered sugar to achieve signature crinkled texture.
9. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared sheets, maintaining 2-inch spacing, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain tender.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to complete cooling process before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading and enhance the cookie’s texture, aiming for at least 2 hours of refrigeration.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding bottled alternatives that can taste less bright and authentic.
• Adjust sugar coating by rolling in granulated sugar first, then generously coating with powdered sugar to achieve the signature crinkle effect and prevent sticking.
• Customize the recipe by experimenting with different citrus zests like orange or lime for unique flavor variations that maintain the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg