Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Crinkle Cookies bring a bright burst of citrus flavor to the cookie tray. They are soft, chewy, and covered in a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them look as delightful as they taste. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies aren’t just delicious; they are also quick and easy to make, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help with shaping.
- Roll the dough into balls and then roll them in powdered sugar until well-coated.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies on a cake stand or a nice platter. They are great with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also add a sprig of mint or lemon slices as a garnish to make the plate look even more appealing.
How to Store Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Store your Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them between parchment paper before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to control the lemon flavor – add a little more for a zestier cookie.
Variation
For a fun twist, try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking. You can also substitute lime juice and zest for a different citrus flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemon zest is still a good idea for added flavor.
3. How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just roll them in powdered sugar and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Bright and chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
- Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help with shaping.
- Roll the dough into balls and then roll them in powdered sugar until well-coated.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months, layered with parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, lemon, dessert, sweet, baking
