Lemon Crinkle Cookies - Herbs & Flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat with a zesty twist. Perfectly soft and chewy, they're dusted with powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect.

Rachel Green

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:31:00.418Z

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a seasonal favorite, bringing a burst of citrus flavor that brightens any occasion. Ideal for gatherings or as a sweet snack, their crinkly tops and soft interiors will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You Will Love These Cookies

  • Bright and zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Chewy texture with a delightful powdered sugar coating
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a wonderful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a refreshing alternative to traditional cookies. The bright citrus notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest not only add flavor but also bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a little zest in their sweets, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar coating.

The chewy texture of these cookies adds to their charm. As you take a bite, the soft interior meets the slight crunch of the powdered sugar exterior, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. This unique texture makes them enjoyable to eat and brings a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic crinkle cookies that many of us grew up loving.

Ideal for Any Occasion

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are versatile enough for any occasion, whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon at home. Their vibrant color and appealing presentation make them a delightful addition to any cookie platter. Plus, the refreshing lemon flavor is perfect for warm weather, providing a light and uplifting treat.

Not only are they great for gatherings, but they also make wonderful gifts. Imagine gifting a jar filled with these cookies to friends or family; they are sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness and the deliciousness of these homemade treats. They also store well, allowing you to enjoy them over several days or share them with loved ones.

Easy to Make and Fun to Share

One of the best aspects of these Lemon Crinkle Cookies is how easy they are to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch with confidence. The recipe requires minimal prep time, making it a perfect option for those busy days when you crave something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

Baking these cookies can also be a fun activity to do with family or friends. Involve the kids in rolling the dough into balls or dusting them with powdered sugar, creating a memorable experience in the kitchen. Sharing the finished cookies with loved ones not only spreads joy but also showcases your baking skills in a delightful way.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Form Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat generously.

Bake

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Crinkle Cookies!

Storage Tips

To keep your Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, retaining their chewy texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature.

If you prefer to prepare ahead, you can also freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and store for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

While the classic Lemon Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of fun variations to explore. Consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an added layer of flavor and texture. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate complements the tangy lemon beautifully, while nuts add a satisfying crunch to each bite.

For a twist on the flavor profile, try incorporating other citrus fruits such as lime or orange zest, which can enhance the cookie's brightness. You can even experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to create unique flavor combinations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies - Herbs & Flour

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat with a zesty twist. Perfectly soft and chewy, they're dusted with powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time32 minutes

Created by: Rachel Green

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1 cup granulated sugar
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  8. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 06

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat generously.

Step 07

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 08

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g