If you adore bright, zesty flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie, this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful cookies boast a tender crumb kissed with fresh lemon juice and zest, then perfectly coated in powdered sugar to create those irresistible crinkled tops. Every bite bursts with sunshine and a subtle tang that’s just the right balance of sweet and citrusy, making them a standout treat for any occasion, from casual afternoon tea to festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Lemon Crinkle Cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that distinctive texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role, making the final cookies irresistibly light, flavorful, and beautifully golden.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Cornstarch: Adds softness and a delicate crumb to the cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and form their signature cracks.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and lemony notes.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to cream perfectly, adding richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with caramelized edges.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture.
- Fresh lemon juice: Crushes ordinary flavor with bursts of citrus freshness.
- Lemon zest: Packed with aromatic oils that boost the lemon profile.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy undertone that complements the lemon.
- Powdered sugar: For that iconic crinkle coating and a touch of sweetness on each cookie.
How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for an effortless cleanup and perfectly baked bottoms. Then whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this blend ensures your cookies will be tender with soft edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, helping your cookies rise and develop a fabulous texture with every bite.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Lemon Flavors
Next, add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next to maintain that light, smooth batter. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest for that authentic citrus punch, and finish with vanilla extract to deepen the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Your dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for these crinkle cookies. Be sure to avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls, then generously coat each cookie ball in powdered sugar. This coating is what gives the Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe that trademark cracked, snowy surface after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges become lightly golden and you see lovely cracks forming on the tops. This is the moment when flavor and texture come alive.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them set perfectly while maintaining a soft center and crisp edges.
How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of charm and brightness, sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the cooled cookies or dust a little extra powdered sugar just before serving. Edible flower petals or a sprig of fresh mint can also make the presentation pop and enhance the citrus vibe.
Side Dishes
Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile, which complement the citrus notes perfectly. For a refreshing contrast, try serving alongside a glass of cold milk or a sparkling lemonade to double down on that zesty goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not create a themed dessert platter? Arrange your Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe with other citrus-inspired treats like candied lemon slices or lemon bars. You could even layer them in a decorative jar tied with a yellow ribbon as a gift or party favor that’s both lovely and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their soft texture and fresh lemon aroma without drying them out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick heat revives their chewy softness and enhances the lemony fragrance.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, lemon extract can be used, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter and more natural citrus flavor that really makes this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe shine. If you use extract, start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Why do the cookies crack during baking?
The cracks form naturally as the cookie dough spreads and rises in the oven, thanks to the baking powder and the powdered sugar coating. It’s a signature look for crinkle cookies and indicates a perfect balance of softness inside and a lightly crisp exterior.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. The texture may vary slightly, but the bright lemon flavor will still be fantastic.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and coating in powdered sugar can help reduce spreading. Also, using cornstarch in the dough assists in maintaining their shape with a tender crumb.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Absolutely! Fully baked Lemon Crinkle Cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking and sharing this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe. They bring brightness to any day with their sunny flavor and soft texture, making them an absolute joy to bake and enjoy with friends and family. Once you try them, I’m sure they’ll become one of your must-bake favorites, brightening up your dessert collection with every delightful bite.
Print
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully tangy and soft, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and sweet powdered sugar coating. Crisply baked to golden perfection with a crackled top, they make an irresistible treat ideal for tea time or any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating an airy base for the cookies.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, followed by the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with citrusy aroma and depth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar to create a signature crinkle effect.
- Arrange on baking sheets: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops have distinctive cracks.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Make sure to coat the dough balls generously with powdered sugar for the classic crackled look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If dough is too sticky to handle, chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
- Use fresh lemons for the best vibrant flavor and aroma.
