Sunny Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Sweet Citrus Bliss

Crisp and zesty lemon crinkle cookies dance with bright, tangy flavors that promise pure delight.

Powdered sugar coating creates an irresistible crackled surface that hints at the delectable treat inside.

Soft centers melt in your mouth while edges provide a satisfying crunch.

Classic ingredients blend together seamlessly to craft these delightful sweet morsels.

Refreshing citrus notes lift this simple cookie beyond ordinary expectations.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear from the plate, these cookies spark joy with every bite.

We predict you’ll want to make a double batch – trust me, they’re that good.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Is Light and Bright

• Speed Up Dinner: This casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, beans, and cheese, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.
• One-Pan Wonder: Forget multiple dishes and complicated cooking methods. This casserole uses a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making mealtime stress-free for home cooks.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combining affordable ingredients like ground beef, corn tortillas, and canned beans creates a delicious meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank, stretching your grocery budget smartly.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential foundation that provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: The key leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: A small but crucial ingredient that enhances the overall flavor balance.

• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy notes that give these cookies their signature tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's overall taste profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the classic crinkle cookie coating and adds a sweet, decorative finish.

Baking Lemon Crinkle Cookies from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a bright, lemony mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.

Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

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

Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful crackled exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for set edges and a crinkled top – these are signs of perfectly baked cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up slightly.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will develop a delightful crisp exterior and soft, tender center.

Tips to Nail Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Grate fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor intensity, ensuring vibrant citrus notes throughout the cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect crinkle texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough with better consistency.
• Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look and extra sweetness before baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, delicate texture.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Zesty Variations

• Lavender Lemon Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon dried lavender to the dry ingredients for a floral, aromatic flavor that complements the citrus notes.
• Orange Crinkle Cookies: Swap lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a bright, sunny version of the original recipe.
• Almond Lemon Cookies: Mix 1/2 cup finely ground almonds into the flour mixture for a nutty texture and rich, complementary taste.
• Coconut Lemon Cookies: Fold 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical touch and added crunch to the classic crinkle cookie.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies to Share Anytime

• Zesty Summer Dessert Platter: Arrange lemon crinkle cookies alongside fresh berries, mint leaves, and a small scoop of lavender ice cream for a refreshing and elegant dessert presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delicate cookies on a vintage china plate with a pot of earl grey tea, creating a sophisticated and delightful tea time experience that highlights the cookie's light, citrusy flavor.
• Picnic Sweet Treat: Pack these cookies in a mason jar with a ribbon, making them a perfect portable dessert for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard picnics where their bright lemon taste will complement sunny days.
• Gift-Worthy Edible Present: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a yellow ribbon, and attach a handwritten recipe card for a charming homemade gift that spreads joy and deliciousness to friends and family.

Keeping Lemon Crinkle Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled lemon crinkle cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with wax paper, and store for up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their soft texture and prevent quick staleness.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain cookie moisture and prevent them from becoming dry or hard.

FAQs

• Are lemon crinkle cookies hard to make?

These cookies are surprisingly easy and beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

• Why do these cookies have a crinkled top?

The crinkled appearance comes from rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, the sugar creates those signature beautiful cracks on the surface.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% real lemon juice for the most authentic taste.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Zesty lemon crinkle cookies blend citrusy brightness with powdered sugar’s delicate coating. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats irresistible for dessert lovers seeking refreshing sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet for the cookies.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. Create a creamy base by beating butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, incorporating egg, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
5. Shape the cookie dough into small, uniform spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
6. Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring complete and even coating for a classic crinkle appearance.
7. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between cookies.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for characteristic crinkled tops and set edges as indicators of doneness.
9. Remove from oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a brief cooling period before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor and avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing with sugar.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar just before baking to create those signature crinkle cracks and give a beautiful snowy appearance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 132 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg