Lemon Crinkle Cookies are an enchanting treat that captures the essence of sunny citrus in every bite. These delicate cookies, with their unique crinkled appearance and bright flavor, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack or impressing guests at a gathering, these cookies manage to be both whimsical and sophisticated. I first baked them during a particularly gloomy winter week, and their vibrant flavor was like a burst of sunshine that lifted my spirits. Their delightful sweetness, complemented by a subtle tang, has made them an enduring favorite in my baking repertoire.
Why you’ll love this dish
One slice into the world of baking can reveal tantalizing flavors, and Lemon Crinkle Cookies are no exception. What makes this recipe truly special is how incredibly easy it is to whip together, yet it yields cookies that look and taste like they took hours of effort. These cookies are not just a treat for your tastebuds; they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart that appeals to everyone—from kids to adults. They’re ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, summer picnics, or simply a cozy night in, making them fabulous addition to any cookie platter.
"The first bite was a burst of lemony goodness, and the crinkle texture added an extra layer of fun! These have become a staple in my house!" — a happy home baker.
Preparing Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ready to brighten your baking day? Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about creating a moment of pure joy in the kitchen. The process is straightforward, and the outcome is certainly rewarding. Let’s run through how this recipe comes together to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully.
Gather these items
Here’s what you’ll need to create your Lemon Crinkle Cookies. This simple list of ingredients combines to make delightful and beautifully crinkled cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (to elevate the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5-8 drops yellow food coloring (optional, for visual flair)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for that snowy finish)
Feel free to substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or use gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free cookie.
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the baking process! Here’s how you create these irresistible cookies:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and food coloring into the mixture until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the stand mixer, mixing until just incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to solidify the dough. This step is crucial for achieving those perfect crinkles.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a small cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough and roll it into balls.
- Coat the Cookies: Roll each ball first in regular sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can easily elevate your serving game! Serve them alongside a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat. You might consider adding a lemon glaze for extra shininess or pairing them with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sandwich. Their vibrant color also makes them a stunning addition to any dessert table.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To enjoy your Lemon Crinkle Cookies for days, storing them correctly is essential. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to save them for later, you can freeze baked cookies. Just ensure they’re cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure your cookies turn out as delicious as possible, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife to prevent dense cookies.
- If your dough is too soft before baking, chill it again for about 15-30 minutes to firm it up.
- For chewier cookies, take them out just as they begin to brown; they’ll continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? There are several ways to put your own spin on Lemon Crinkle Cookies:
- Swap lemons for limes for a tropical twist.
- Add crushed nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Create a lemon-blueberry version by folding in fresh blueberries before chilling the dough.
- Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor and slightly different texture.
Common questions
How long can I keep the dough in the fridge?
You can store chilled cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Can I use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons?
Absolutely! Meyer lemons offer a sweeter and less acidic flavor, which can complement the cookies beautifully.
How do I prevent spreading while baking?
Make sure your dough is adequately chilled after mixing, and if it’s too soft right before baking, chill again. Using parchment paper can also help prevent spreading.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies not only brighten up your dessert table but also make baking a fun and rewarding experience! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful recipe. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 132 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate lemon cookies with a crinkled appearance and bright citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5–8 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and food coloring into the mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the stand mixer, mixing until just incorporated.
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough and roll it into balls.
- Roll each ball in regular sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
For gluten-free cookies, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. For a dairy-free option, swap butter with coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg