Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Bright, Sweet, and Perfectly Tangy

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft, buttery, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. With their crinkled powdered sugar tops and vibrant citrus taste, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate treat to brighten your day. These cookies are perfect for spring gatherings, holiday cookie swaps, or whenever you need a little sunshine in dessert form.

If you love the refreshing tang of lemons and the soft texture of a perfectly baked cookie, this recipe is for you. Get ready to whip up a batch of these cheerful, crowd-pleasing cookies that are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Bright and Zesty Flavor: Lemon juice and zest make these cookies pop with citrusy goodness.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The inside is tender, while the powdered sugar coating adds a slight crispness.
• Beautiful Presentation: The crinkled powdered sugar tops make these cookies look like they came straight from a bakery.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for picnics, parties, or just as an afternoon treat with tea.

Ingredients for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible cookies.

Dry Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2⅓ cups	The base of the cookie dough
Baking powder	¾ tsp	Helps the cookies rise
Baking soda	½ tsp	Provides extra lift and texture
Ground turmeric	¼ tsp	Enhances the lemony color (optional)
Kosher salt	½ tsp	Balances the sweetness

Wet Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Granulated sugar	1 cup, divided	Sweetens the dough and adds texture
Lemon zest	2 tbsp	Adds concentrated lemon flavor
Unsalted butter	½ cup, softened	Creates a tender and rich texture
Egg	1 large	Binds the dough together
Egg yolk	1 large	Adds richness and structure
Lemon juice	¼ cup	Provides fresh, tangy flavor
Vanilla extract	1½ tsp	Complements the lemon flavor

For Coating

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	First layer for coating dough balls
Powdered sugar	1½ cups	Creates the iconic crinkle texture

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground turmeric, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
2. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine ¾ cup of sugar and the lemon zest.
2. Rub the sugar and zest together with your fingers to release the lemon oils. This step enhances the citrus flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Add the softened butter to the sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. With the mixer on medium-low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Coatings

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the powdered sugar in one medium bowl and the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar in another medium bowl.

Step 7: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls

1. Use a 1½-inch scoop to portion out the dough (about 1½ tablespoons per cookie).
2. Roll each dough ball first in the bowl of granulated sugar, then generously in the powdered sugar.
3. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and the bottoms are lightly browned.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crinkle Cookies

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Generous Coating: Be sure to roll the dough balls heavily in powdered sugar to achieve the signature crinkled look.
4. Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Fluff the flour, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
5. Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~140
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fat	6g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	12g

Creative Variations for Lemon Crinkle Cookies

1. Add Poppy Seeds

• Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed twist.

2. Citrus Medley

• Swap half the lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a citrusy blend.

3. Blueberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Add ½ cup of dried blueberries to the dough for a fruity surprise.

4. Lemon-Almond Delight

• Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.

5. Gluten-Free Version

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.

FAQs About Lemon Crinkle Cookies

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop and coat the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. How should I store these cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil.

4. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

This usually happens if the dough wasn’t cold enough. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough space in your fridge to chill the larger batch of dough.

6. Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can use a hand mixer or mix everything by hand, though it may take a bit longer to achieve the light, fluffy texture.

Conclusion: Brighten Your Day with Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat to bring a little sunshine to your day. Their soft, chewy texture and zesty lemon flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to a friend, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your lemons, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful burst of citrus in every bite.

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