This post may contain affiliate links learn more

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The buttery cookie dough is infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving each bite a burst of citrusy flavor. The cookies are soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges, creating the perfect texture that melts in your mouth. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they develop a beautiful crinkle pattern as they bake, making them not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

This recipe is simple to make and perfect for lemon lovers. The fresh lemon juice and zest bring a vibrant, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookie dough. Whether you’re serving these cookies at a party, packing them as a snack, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Lemon Crinkle Cookies:

Butter – ½ cup (113 g), softened

Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (150 g)
Egg – 1 large
Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp (30 ml)

Lemon zest – 1 tbsp (6 g)
All-purpose flour – 1½ cups (192 g)
Baking powder – ½ tsp

Salt – ⅛ tsp
Yellow food coloring – 2-4 drops (optional)
Powdered sugar – for coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the ½ cup of softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light, tender cookie texture.
Add the egg, lemon juice, and zest: Once the butter and sugar mixture is well-combined, add 1 large egg, 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp of lemon zest to the bowl. Mix until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. If you prefer a more vibrant color, add 2-4 drops of yellow food coloring at this stage and mix until evenly distributed.

2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:

Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ⅛ tsp of salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps ensure there are no lumps and that the baking powder is evenly distributed.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but firm enough to roll into balls.

3. Chill the Dough:

Refrigerate the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or until it firms up. Chilling the dough is important as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavor.

4. Shape and Coat the Cookies:

Preheat the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Shape the dough: Once the dough has chilled, scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls using your hands.
Coat in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, making sure to coat them generously. The powdered sugar will create the beautiful crinkle effect as the cookies bake.

5. Bake the Cookies:

Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have formed cracks.

Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool but should remain soft and chewy in the center.

Cooking Tips

Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
Chill the dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and also enhances the lemon flavor.

Powdered sugar coating: Make sure to roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar, as it will help create the classic crinkle appearance and add a touch of sweetness to each cookie.
Food coloring: While optional, adding a few drops of yellow food coloring enhances the visual appeal of the cookies, giving them a bright, lemony hue.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, refrigerate them instead, and they will stay fresh for up to 10 days.

Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator for a few hours and proceed with the powdered sugar coating and baking.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 140 kcal
Protein: 2 g

Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 60 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

FAQs

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

While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Fresh lemon zest also adds an extra punch of citrus that bottled juice can’t replicate.

2. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for coating?

If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar for coating. However, the signature crinkle effect will be less pronounced, and the texture will be slightly different.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen (just add a minute or two to the baking time).

4. Can I add other flavors to the cookies?

Absolutely! These lemon crinkle cookies are versatile, and you can experiment by adding a hint of vanilla extract or swapping out the lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrusy twist.

5. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of powdered sugar. The soft, chewy texture with a slight crisp around the edges makes them irresistible, while the crinkled powdered sugar coating adds visual appeal. Perfect for lemon lovers, these cookies are an excellent choice for dessert, snacks, or special occasions.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these refreshing, citrus-infused cookies in no time. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors and soft texture with every bite!