Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice; 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon zest; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Soft, pillowy cookies with a zesty twist have been the talk of the baking world lately.

These delightful lemon crinkle cookies bring a burst of sunshine to any dessert plate.

Tangy citrus notes dance through each bite, creating a perfect balance of sweet and bright flavors.

Powdered sugar coating gives these cookies their signature crackled appearance, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive treat in no time.

The recipe promises a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Zesty Flavor Burst: Lemon crinkle cookies deliver a bright, tangy punch that awakens your taste buds with every delightful bite.
Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
Family-Friendly Treat: Soft, sugary, and incredibly simple to make, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults, creating a delicious shared experience.
Impressive Presentation: The crinkled top and powdered sugar coating make these cookies look professionally baked, even for novice bakers who want to wow their friends and family.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: A key ingredient that provides richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden color and crisp edges.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and adds a fresh, tangy dimension to the cookies.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and create a light texture.

Coating Ingredient:

Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, decorative finish to the cookies.

How to Bake Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Get ready for some zesty cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Step 3: Add Citrusy Burst of Flavor

Introduce these ingredients to your creamy mixture:

Egg
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest
Lemon juice

Blend everything until perfectly combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Salt
Baking powder
Baking soda

Ensure all dry ingredients are well integrated.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Shape and Coat Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Generously roll each ball in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes.

Look for set edges and those signature crinkled tops.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring these lemony treats.

Tips for Soft, Crackly Lemon Cookies

Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrus punch in every bite.
Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for a more dramatic crinkle effect and extra sweetness.
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the cookie's delicate texture.

Swaps and Twists for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
Orange Zest Variation: Swap lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice for a citrusy alternative flavor profile.
Lavender Lemon Cookies: Add dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant and sophisticated herbal undertone.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace egg with a flax egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version.

Plating Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair these lemon crinkle cookies with a fresh mimosa or light herbal tea for a delightful morning treat.
Dessert Plate Perfection: Arrange cookies alongside other citrus-based desserts like lemon bars or orange sorbet for a vibrant sweet spread.
Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve with lavender Earl Grey tea to complement the bright lemon flavors and create a sophisticated snacking experience.
Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a yellow ribbon for a charming homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them cool and dry to maintain freshness.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Keep cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid away from direct sunlight. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
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 softness and bring back their delightful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners.

Why do I need to coat the cookies in powdered sugar before baking?

The powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake. When the sugar melts and the cookie expands, it creates those beautiful cracked edges and a soft, powdery exterior.

How do I know when the lemon crinkle cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and a crinkled top. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling. They’ll be soft and slightly puffy when you remove them from the oven.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Soft & Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles