Irresistibly Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Soft, zesty lemon crinkle cookies burst with bright, unexpected flavor that dances across your palate.

Powdered sugar coating creates a delightful crackle when you break these treats.

Citrus lovers will adore the subtle tang and delicate texture.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between sweet and sharp notes.

Crisp edges give way to tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers that surprise and delight.

Whipping up this simple recipe takes less than an hour.

You’ll want to share these irresistible cookies with everyone nearby.

Pro Tips for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle appearance and sweet coating.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Variations to Try with Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Lime Zinger Cookies: Replace lemon juice and zest with lime, creating a tangy tropical version with bright citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Cloud Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Orange Vanilla Crinkle Cookies: Substitute lemon with orange zest and juice, adding vanilla extract for a creamsicle-inspired treat.
• Dairy-Free Lemon Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based egg replacement for vegan-friendly option.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Zesty Tea Party Delight: Serve these cookies alongside a fragrant Earl Grey tea, garnishing the plate with fresh lemon slices for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Sunshine Dessert Platter: Create a bright dessert display by arranging cookies on a yellow ceramic plate, dusted with extra powdered sugar and accompanied by small lemon wedges.
• Summer Picnic Favorite: Pack these cookies in a cute mason jar for outdoor gatherings, pairing them with fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing portable dessert.
• Brunch Companion: Offer these cookies as a light sweet option during brunch, complementing mimosas and fresh fruit salads with their bright, tangy flavor profile.

Storage Tips for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag.
• Refrigerate baked cookies in a sealed container for 7 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing to maintain crispness.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

• What gives these cookies their unique crinkle texture?

The powdered sugar coating creates the signature crackled surface when the cookies bake, giving them a beautiful and distinctive appearance.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% real lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies will still be soft when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool.

• Why do I need to cream the butter and sugar together?

Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter, softer cookie texture and helping the sugar dissolve properly for a smoother, more uniform result.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies That Shine

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: These lemon crinkle cookies pack a vibrant citrus punch that dances on your taste buds, offering a refreshing twist on classic cookie recipes.
• Super Simple to Prepare: With basic kitchen ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, bakers of all skill levels can master these delightful treats without stress or complicated techniques.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Elegant enough for special gatherings yet casual enough for everyday snacking, these cookies bring sunshine to any dessert table with their crackly sugar coating and bright lemon essence.
• Quick Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet-tangy combination, making these cookies an instant hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual afternoon treats.

Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and create a soft, light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Gives the cookies a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, snowy appearance to the cookies.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Egg
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until a smooth, consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls.

Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, creating a beautiful crinkled exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set and have golden edges.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

The cookies will develop a delightful crackled surface as they cool.

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crinkle cookies bring sunshine to classic dessert traditions. Powdered sugar-dusted edges and tangy citrus notes create irresistible homemade treats you cannot resist enjoying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Lemon Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until achieving a soft, airy consistency, creating a pale and fluffy mixture.
4. Incorporate egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until a cohesive dough forms with a smooth texture.
6. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, generously rolling each ball in powdered sugar to create a delicate, snowlike coating.
7. Carefully arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between each piece.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges and a set center, indicating perfect cookie doneness.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a delicate, crackled exterior.

Notes

• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and minimize effort.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create a more compact cookie texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie structure.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain soft, delicate crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 104
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 66 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg