Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of bright, tangy flavors with a sweet finish, you’re going to love these lemon crinkle cookies! They are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a summer-inspired dessert or just craving something fresh and citrusy, these cookies will hit the spot. Follow along with this step-by-step recipe to bake a batch of cookies that will brighten anyone’s day!

this Recipe

What Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

Lemon crinkle cookies are soft, lemon-flavored cookies rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As they bake, the cookies puff up and form cracks or "crinkles" on the surface, giving them a beautiful contrast between the bright yellow cookie dough and the white sugar coating. Their texture is chewy on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges, making them an irresistible treat for lemon lovers. The citrusy tang from the fresh lemon juice and zest, combined with the sweetness of the cookie, creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you'll need for these delicious lemon crinkle cookies. Each item plays an essential role in delivering that perfect soft and chewy texture with a burst of lemon flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookie dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that lovely, light texture.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Balances the acidity from the lemon juice and ensures proper rising.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Provides that essential lemony tang.
• Zest of 1 large lemon: Packs a punch of lemon flavor. Make sure to zest only the outer yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith.

Coating:

• ½ cup powdered sugar: Used to coat the cookie dough balls before baking, which creates the signature crinkle effect.

Substitutions and Variations

While this lemon crinkle cookie recipe is already amazing, you can easily tweak it to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some substitution ideas and fun variations to try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil, to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Vegan Version: In addition to using a dairy-free butter substitute, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
• More Citrus Flavors: For an extra burst of citrus, add the zest of an orange or lime to the dough for a mixed citrus crinkle cookie.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Crinkle Cookies: Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a fun twist.
• Lemon Lavender Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough to create a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make these delightful lemon crinkle cookies. Follow these instructions closely to ensure your cookies come out soft, chewy, and perfectly crinkled.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to achieving a soft, tender cookie.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in dense cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, and it makes the dough easier to work with when rolling it in powdered sugar.

Step 7: Roll the Dough in Powdered Sugar

Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and generously roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated.

Step 8: Bake

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but that’s okay—they will continue to set as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy them as-is or store them for later (if they last that long!).

How to Cook Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To help you master this recipe, here’s a quick summary of essential tips:

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference in flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t have the same impact.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps form those perfect crinkles.
3. Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: Be sure to coat each dough ball thoroughly in powdered sugar. This is what creates the distinct crinkle pattern as the cookies bake.
4. Watch the Bake Time: Lemon crinkle cookies can quickly go from underbaked to overbaked. Aim to pull them out when the edges are just set but the centers are still slightly soft for a chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these cookies are easy to make, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Dough Chilling Step: This can cause the cookies to spread too much, making them flat and not crinkled.
• Not Using Enough Powdered Sugar: Skimping on the powdered sugar will result in fewer crinkles. Make sure the dough balls are fully coated for that classic look.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly cookie, so keep a close eye on them during the final minutes of baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These lemon crinkle cookies are beautiful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a few simple ideas:

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

• With Tea or Coffee: Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of lemonade for a lovely afternoon treat.
• With Ice Cream: Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
• Cookie Platter: Add them to a platter with other cookies and treats for a dessert spread at parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

• Dust with Extra Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, sift a little powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving.
• Lemon Zest Garnish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Gift Boxes: Wrap these cookies in clear cellophane or place them in decorative boxes to give as gifts. They’re perfect for holiday presents, housewarming gifts, or just to brighten someone’s day.

Lemon Crinkle Cookie Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: If you’re making these for a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the mixing and chilling times as needed.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before rolling them in powdered sugar. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake as directed.
• Storing the Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended, as it provides the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant citrusy punch that makes these cookies so special.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls (before coating in powdered sugar), freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, coat in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be just set around the edges, with the centers still slightly soft. The tops should be crinkled and the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Lemon crinkle cookies are a bright and zesty treat that's perfect for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture paired with a vibrant citrus flavor and beautiful crinkled appearance make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're baking them for a party, a gift, or just because, these cookies will bring a little sunshine to your day. Follow this easy recipe, and you’ll have perfect lemon crinkle cookies in no time. Happy baking!

Print