Lemon Crinkle Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly complements a cozy cup of tea, look no further than these Lemon Crinkle Cookies! Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, these delightful cookies are surprisingly easy to whip up and are sure to become a favorite for all the lemon lovers out there.

Let’s be honest: lemon desserts are right up there with chocolate in my book. These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are simply irresistible! With their delicate citrus notes, thanks to fresh lemon juice and zest, each bite is a sweet little taste of heaven. And don’t worry if you like a stronger lemon flavor; you can easily double the juice or zest for an extra zing!

What’s more, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets—no complicated steps here! Whether you’re using a stand mixer or a handheld one, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!

And let’s not forget how gorgeous these cookies are with their signature crinkly tops! If you love crinkle cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies too.

So, are you ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Deliciousness: These cookies are bursting with flavor!
Simplicity: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Fresh Ingredients: I use freshly squeezed lemons for the best flavor—bottled juice just can’t compare!
Visual Appeal: The beautiful crinkly pattern makes these cookies a showstopper.
Year-Round Treat: Perfect for any time of year, but especially delightful in spring and summer.
Great for Sharing: These cookies travel well and are ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Wet Ingredients:
- Butter (softened)
- Sugar
- Egg
- Fresh lemon juice and zest (double for a stronger lemon flavor)
- Vanilla extract
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
For Rolling:
- Granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners’ sugar)

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
Beat Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial, as the dough will be too sticky to handle without chilling.
Roll the Cookie Balls: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. First, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring they are generously coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Don’t Overmix: To maintain that soft texture, mix just until combined.
Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key for the best flavor.
Double Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough in both granulated and powdered sugar creates those beautiful crinkly patterns.

Storing Your Cookies

Once cooled, transfer your Lemon Crinkle Cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week.

Can You Freeze These Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. I recommend freezing the dough instead of the baked cookies to maintain their crinkle pattern. Here’s how:

Freeze the Dough: Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Baking Frozen Dough: When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the fridge overnight. Roll them in sugar as directed in the recipe, then bake!

I hope you enjoy these Lemon Crinkle Cookies as much as I do! They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten your day. Happy baking! 🍋✨