When life gives you lemons, bake Lemon Crinkle Cookies! These delightful cookies combine the zing of fresh lemons with the comforting sweetness of powdered sugar. The result? A soft, chewy, and beautifully crinkled cookie that’s sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and perfect for any occasion.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create the best Lemon Crinkle Cookies, including tips for achieving that iconic crinkle, nutritional insights, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why Lemon Crinkle Cookies Are a Must-Try
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Burst of Flavor: The tangy lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing brightness to every bite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients, these cookies are irresistibly tender.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves these zesty cookies.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Lemon Crinkle Cookies
To create the perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting these citrusy delights:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure to the cookies.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds lift and helps create the crinkles.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s soft chewiness.
- Eggs (2 large): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a punch of citrusy aroma.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the cookies with tangy flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
For Rolling:
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Creates the signature crinkled look.
Step-by-Step Directions to Bake the Best Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Follow this foolproof process to bake cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and generously coat each one in powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the more pronounced the crinkle effect will be.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully crinkled.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Even simple recipes benefit from a few tricks. Here are some tips to elevate your Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar: The thick coating is key to the crinkle effect.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it easier to handle.
- Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Remove them as soon as the edges are set.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Lemon Crinkle Cookies
While cookies are an indulgence, this recipe includes lemons, which are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 1%
FAQs
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, roll them in powdered sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Make sure the dough is well-coated in powdered sugar, and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Overmixing the dough can also prevent crinkles.
Absolutely! Try orange or lime for a similar citrusy twist, or even experiment with almond or vanilla extract for a different profile.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love Baking Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Baking these cookies is more than just whipping up a sweet treat—it’s about creating memories, savoring the aroma of fresh lemons, and sharing the joy of homemade goodies. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or the star of a dessert table, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
So, preheat your oven, grab your lemons, and let’s get baking!
More Relevant Recipes
- Lemon Cake to Die For
- Quick and Easy 5-Minute Lemon Fudge Recipe
- Lemon Garlic Swordfish Recipe
- Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with zesty lemon flavor. Perfectly coated in powdered sugar, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for maximum aroma)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for tender cookies.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The citrus aroma will already start filling your kitchen!
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Shape the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating. This step gives the cookies their iconic crinkled appearance.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look crinkled. Avoid overbaking to retain their soft texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy the citrusy goodness!
Notes
- Fresh Lemons Are Key: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice—it doesn’t compare.
- Generous Coating of Powdered Sugar: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar. It’s what creates the signature crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft. Check for doneness when the edges are set but the center is still slightly underbaked.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg