Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Irresistibly
If you love bright citrus flavors and soft, chewy cookies, then this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is perfect for you! These delightful cookies are bursting with fresh lemon flavor, offering a balance of sweetness and tanginess with a beautiful crinkled sugar-dusted exterior. The texture is soft and tender, with a slightly crisp edge, making them a favorite treat for lemon lovers. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer gathering, holiday baking, or just a sweet indulgence—these cookies are easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 12 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per Serving: ~130 kcal
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or microplane
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small bowls (for rolling sugar)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1-2 drops yellow food coloring (optional, for a brighter lemon look)
For Coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, add the yellow food coloring for a vibrant lemon hue.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 4: Coat the Cookies
Scoop 1-inch portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring they are well-coated for the crinkled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Best Results
- Chill the Dough – This is crucial for achieving the best crinkled effect and preventing excessive spreading.
- Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Double Sugar Coating – Rolling the dough in granulated sugar before powdered sugar helps prevent the powdered sugar from melting too quickly.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with:
- A cup of hot tea or iced lemonade
- Vanilla or lemon-flavored ice cream
- A dusting of extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish
Conclusion
This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an easy way to bring bright, zesty flavors into your baking routine. With a soft, chewy texture and a signature crinkled sugar coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try them today for a delicious treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.