If you're looking for a burst of zesty, tangy sweetness in your cookie jar, look no further than Lemon Crinkle Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a refreshing lemon flavor that will brighten up any day. Whether you’re a fan of all things citrus or just need a refreshing twist to your usual cookie recipes, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Keep reading to discover the perfect recipe, tips, and variations to make these cookies the star of your next dessert table!

What Are Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a type of cookie that features a soft, chewy center with a slightly crisp exterior. What sets them apart is their unique crinkle appearance. When the cookie dough is rolled in powdered sugar and then baked, the dough spreads and creates a beautiful crackled effect. The zesty lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie, making these treats irresistibly refreshing and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply want to indulge in something citrusy, these cookies are a must-try!
Ingredients List for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these zesty, chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
These ingredients create the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making the cookies wonderfully flavorful without being overpowering.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Lemon Crinkle Cookie recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Substitutions:
- Butter: If you're dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Just be sure to use solid coconut oil for the best texture.
- Egg: For an egg-free version, you can use a flaxseed egg. To make one flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Flour: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure the mix includes xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
Variations:
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to give the cookies a citrus twist.
- White Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for an extra sweet contrast to the tangy lemon.
- Poppy Seed Addition: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a lemon-poppy seed variation.
These substitutions and variations allow you to make the cookies your own, whether you're looking to cater to dietary restrictions or just add some fun twists!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Baking Lemon Crinkle Cookies is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps to get perfectly crinkled, chewy, and zesty cookies.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their crinkled appearance when baked.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Bake: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. The cookies should be soft in the center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have a batch of soft, chewy, and wonderfully crinkled Lemon Crinkle Cookies ready to enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies is straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are some tips to avoid mistakes:
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the dough-chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much and lose their crinkled look. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using Too Little Powdered Sugar: For that classic crinkled look, be generous when rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar.
- Overbaking: Lemon Crinkle Cookies should be soft and chewy, not hard. Bake them until the edges are set, but the center is still soft.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their crinkled sugar coating. Here are some tips to serve and present them beautifully:
- Serve Warm: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, straight from the oven. The inside will be soft and chewy, while the outside has a slight crisp.
- Dust with Extra Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch, lightly dust the cooled cookies with a bit more powdered sugar before serving.
- Pair with Tea: Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies with a cup of tea, especially herbal or green tea, for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed on their own, but if you’re hosting a party or gathering, here are a few serving ideas:
- With Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
- As a Gift: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or gift box, tied with a ribbon, for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Cookie Platter: Add them to a cookie platter alongside other treats like chocolate chip cookies or shortbread for variety.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To make your Lemon Crinkle Cookies stand out, consider these presentation ideas:
- Stacked on a Tiered Stand: Arrange the cookies on a tiered cake stand for an elegant display at parties or gatherings.
- Gift Jars: Layer the cookie ingredients in a mason jar (with a recipe card attached) for a fun gift idea.
- Holiday Tray: If you're baking these cookies during the holidays, arrange them on a festive tray and sprinkle with a little edible glitter for some sparkle.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time:
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemons before juicing them. It’s much harder to zest a lemon once it’s been juiced.
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lemon zest. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
- Chill Dough Overnight: For even more pronounced crinkles, chill the dough overnight. This will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. After rolling the dough into balls (but before rolling in powdered sugar), freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough slightly and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
How long do Lemon Crinkle Cookies stay fresh?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a much brighter and more vibrant flavor. Fresh lemons are highly recommended for the best results.
Conclusion
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a delightful texture that’s both chewy and crisp. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are a must-try for any citrus lover. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with these zesty treats. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start baking today! Your taste buds will thank you.
PrintLemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bursting with fresh lemon flavor, a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. With keywords like lemon cookies, crinkle cookies, and citrus desserts, this recipe is a delightful treat for cookie 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
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and cookies appear cracked.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract. Make sure to not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Leave a Reply