If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing treat, look no further than Lemon Crinkle Cookies. These cookies offer the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a soft and chewy center and a crinkly powdered sugar exterior. Whether you're an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step to create irresistible Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and tricks on how to make these zesty delights a success every time!

What Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that are packed with lemon flavor and rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a cracked, crinkly appearance on the surface. These cookies are perfect for those who love a balance of sweetness with a zingy lemon twist. The crinkles on top give them a beautiful and distinct texture, making them not only tasty but also visually appealing. If you love all things lemon, then this cookie is a must-try!
Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients you'll need for these delightful cookies. Here's a complete list of ingredients for your Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the cookies a light and fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures proper rise and a chewy texture.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Zest of 2 lemons: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor to the dough.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings a tart lemon taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Used to coat the cookies before baking for that signature crinkle effect.
Ingredients List for Lemon Glaze (Optional)
For an extra punch of lemony goodness, you can also add a lemon glaze to the cookies after they’ve baked. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
This optional glaze adds a citrusy sweetness to the cookies and makes them even more irresistible.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe is hard to beat, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make if needed. Here are some ideas to adjust the recipe according to your taste or dietary requirements:
- Butter substitute: You can replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the substitute is softened to a similar consistency.
- Egg substitute: If you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.
- Lime Crinkle Cookies: Swap lemon zest and juice with lime for a different citrus flavor.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Crinkle Cookies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the dough for a nutty crunch.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake some delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies? Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have fresh, zesty cookies in no time!
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the butter is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat again until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about ⅓ at a time, mixing on low speed until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this could make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
7. Roll the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is completely coated.
8. Bake
Place the powdered-sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and crinkled on top. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
9. Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets 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
Cooking Lemon Crinkle Cookies is easy when you break it down step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven: Ensuring your oven is hot and ready at 350°F before you start baking is key to the perfect bake.
- Cream butter and sugar: The sugar breaks down into the butter, creating a lighter and fluffier dough. This step is crucial for getting the right texture.
- Incorporate the lemon: The lemon zest and juice add moisture and flavor to the dough, so don’t skip these!
- Chill the dough: Chilling ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking, resulting in the perfect crinkle.
- Powdered sugar coating: This step is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle, so be generous when coating the dough balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Lemon Crinkle Cookies, a few common mistakes can be easily avoided to ensure perfect cookies every time:
- Skipping the chilling step: This will lead to cookies that spread too much in the oven, losing their chewy texture and signature crinkles.
- Overbaking: Lemon Crinkle Cookies should remain soft in the center. Overbaking can make them dry and hard.
- Using old lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for a bright, tangy flavor. Avoid using pre-bottled lemon juice.
- Under-coating with powdered sugar: Make sure the dough balls are fully coated in powdered sugar to get the best crinkled effect.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that you’ve baked the perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies, it’s time to serve them. These cookies are ideal for serving with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet and refreshing treat. You can also serve them at parties, as their zesty flavor pairs well with other desserts.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Afternoon Tea: Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies with a pot of herbal tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Dessert Spread: Include them on a dessert platter with other cookies, tarts, or cakes.
- Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative box or tin as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Stack them on a cake stand: Display the cookies in neat stacks on a tiered cake stand for an elegant presentation.
- Lemon garnish: Add a few thin slices of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest on the serving platter to enhance the presentation and emphasize the lemon theme.
- Serve with glaze: Drizzle the optional lemon glaze over the cookies for a shiny, decorative touch.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips
- Zest before juicing: Always zest your lemons before cutting and juicing them; it’s much easier this way.
- Fresh is best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Double the recipe: These cookies disappear quickly! Consider doubling the recipe if you're baking for a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. After forming the dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, roll them in powdered sugar and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How long do Lemon Crinkle Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Lemon Crinkle Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a much brighter and more authentic lemon flavor.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and chewy. With their refreshing lemon flavor and soft texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a citrusy treat, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Be sure to try out the tips and variations to customize these cookies to your liking. Happy baking!
PrintLemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Delightful lemon crinkle cookies are made with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a soft, chewy texture with a crackled sugar coating. These cookies are easy to bake and perfect for lemon lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon zest. Be sure not to overbake to keep them soft and chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
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