Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 3 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (225g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh or bottled lemon juice, at room temperature; 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (packed); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 Tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (optional); 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar

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If you’re craving a zesty twist on classic cookies, the Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These cookies combine the perfect balance of bright, refreshing lemon flavor with a soft, chewy texture wrapped in a delicate dusting of shimmering confectioners’ sugar. With every bite, you’ll enjoy an irresistible tangy sweetness that feels like a burst of sunshine on your palate. Honestly, once you try this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A group of round lemon cookies arranged closely on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked top with uneven patches of white powdered sugar contrasting with a pale yellow, soft textured base. Scattered lemon wedge slices add a fresh pop of bright yellow around the cookies. A red and white checkered cloth partly appears at the lower left corner, and a small fresh green mint sprig is placed near one lemon wedge. The scene is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients work together to create a cookie that’s both flavorful and effortlessly delightful. Each component plays a vital role, from the flour that forms the soft base to the lemon zest that adds vibrant brightness.

All-purpose flour (2 and 1/2 cups): The foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb when combined with cornstarch.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture by softening the cookie.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle rise, contributing to the cookie’s soft, slightly puffy profile.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweet and tart flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a luscious, tender bite.
Granulated sugar (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that slight crisp on the outside.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and helps create that chewy texture we all love.
Fresh or bottled lemon juice (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with vibrant citrus zing.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon, packed): Intensifies lemon flavor and adds a delightful aromatic punch.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a smooth, sweet undertone.
Granulated sugar for rolling (3 tablespoons; optional): Prevents the confectioners’ sugar from melting and adds extra crunch if used.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Coats the cookie dough balls, creating the signature crinkled cookie exterior.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly combined, giving your cookies consistent texture and flavor throughout.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming adds air to the dough, which helps the cookies become tender and slightly puffed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat everything on high speed for about a minute until well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little curdled — that’s perfectly normal and just means your cookies will have a wonderful tangy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl, then add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Your dough should be thick, creamy, and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, up to 3 days. Chilling is absolutely essential as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Once chilled, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it’s been in the fridge more than 3 hours. This softens it slightly for easier scooping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions (about 20g each) and roll them into smooth balls. For best results, roll each ball first in granulated sugar to keep the confectioners’ sugar from melting, then generously coat in confectioners’ sugar—rolling 2 to 3 times ensures that beautiful crackly look once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes. Around the 9-minute mark, if the cookies haven’t started to spread, gently tap the baking sheet on your countertop 2 or 3 times—this little trick jumpstarts spreading and gives you the perfect crinkle tops. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Expect your cookies to slightly deflate as they cool, leaving a soft, chewy center with crisp edges.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A stack of six round cookies is placed on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie is light golden yellow with a cracked texture, covered in a dusting of white powdered sugar that fills the cracks and coats the top. The top cookie is broken in half, showing a soft, crumbly inside that is a pale yellow. A small slice of lemon sits near the base of the stack, with blurred yellow lemons in the background adding to the light, fresh feel. The photo is taken from a close-up angle with soft, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are charming enough on their own but adding a light sprinkle of extra lemon zest over the top before serving gives a fresh pop of citrus aroma. For a touch of elegance, consider a delicate drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios to bring in a bit of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a refreshing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint. For adults, a lightly chilled lemonade or a crisp glass of Prosecco complements the cookies’ zesty sweetness perfectly, making it ideal for an afternoon treat or a casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a platter with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves in the center. You can also sandwich them with lemon-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a luscious twist that dazzles guests at parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft. They will stay delicious for up to one week, perfect for planning ahead for a week’s worth of tasty snacks or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To restore that freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm a few in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, chewy texture and enhances the bright lemon notes beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Bottled lemon juice works just fine and won’t significantly alter the bright citrus flavor of the Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe. Just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best results.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is essential because it firms up the sticky dough, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps deepen the flavor and improves the cookie’s texture.

What can I do if the cookies do not spread?

If your cookies aren’t spreading by the 9-minute mark in the oven, try taking the baking sheet out and gently tapping it on the counter a few times to encourage spreading, then return it to bake the remaining time. This little trick often helps activate the dough’s movement.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary since texture and moisture retention differ. For best outcomes, use a blend designed for baking and add xanthan gum if your blend does not already include it.

How can I make the cookies more lemony?

For an extra punch of lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest by a teaspoon or glaze the cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice after baking. Both options beautifully amplify the citrus notes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten your baking repertoire, the Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe offers a delightful mix of tangy citrus and soft, chewy texture that’s difficult to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or an impressive party platter, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and that feel-good warmth we all crave. Go ahead and give this recipe a try — I promise, it’ll become one of your most cherished favorites!

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