Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of bright, sunny flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie with that irresistible crackled sugar exterior, then you’re going to adore this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tangy lemon zest and sweet powdered sugar, delivering a delightful burst of freshness in every bite. Whether you need a cheerful treat for a spring gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe offers a simple, fail-proof way to bring a little lemony happiness into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for these Lemon Crinkle Cookies is a handful of kitchen staples that come together beautifully to create texture, flavor, and visual charm. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffiness of the butter to the zing of fresh lemon zest.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your cookies while keeping them tender.
• Cornstarch: Adds a delicate softness and prevents toughness in your cookies.
• Baking powder: A little lift to make those cookies light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: For richness and a melt-in-your-mouth tender crumb; make sure it’s softened.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that lovely crinkle effect when baked.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for chewy softness.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, natural zing that defines these crinkle cookies.
• Lemon zest: Intensifies that citrus flavor for an aromatic citrus punch.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the tartness with a warm, inviting note.
• Powdered sugar: For coating the dough balls and creating the signature crinkle look during baking.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—easy cleanup is a bonus!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Setting this aside means your dry components are ready to blend seamlessly into the wet mixture later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air—your cookies will thank you for it!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, to keep the batter smooth and well emulsified. Then stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, the zest of 2 lemons, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This combination brings that unmistakable lemon love and a touch of warm aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in your dry ingredient mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for shaping those crinkle cookies. Don’t overmix—keeping it just combined helps maintain that tender texture.

Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then generously coat each one in powdered sugar. This coating creates the wonderful crackled appearance after baking and adds a light sweetness that melts on your tongue.

Step 7: Arrange for Baking

Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread without touching, ensuring beautiful individual cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the tops have lovely cracks. That crinkle pattern is the telltale sign your Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is coming to life.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set so each bite stays soft with a slightly crisp exterior.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A little finesse when serving can elevate these cookies beautifully. Sprinkle extra lemon zest over cooled cookies for an eye-catching pop of color and an added citrus aroma. You can also dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant snowy effect.

Side Dishes

Lemon Crinkle Cookies pair exceptionally well with a cup of hot tea, preferably green or chamomile to complement the citrus notes. A cold glass of milk or a light citrus-infused sparkling water also makes for a refreshing combination, perfect for an afternoon snack vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a platter with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves—it looks stunning and adds a fresh touch. For gift-giving, stack them in a pretty box lined with wax paper, tied with a yellow ribbon, sharing the joy of this delightful Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe with friends or loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lemon crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Place the fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, warm them slightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or pop a single cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This quick reheating brings back that soft, just-baked deliciousness just like when you first made this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?

Yes, you can use lemon extract as a substitute, but fresh juice and zest provide a brighter and more natural lemon flavor. If you’re pressed for time, lemon extract will work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon.

What if I don’t have cornstarch on hand?

Cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and tender, but you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of arrowroot powder. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure. Results may vary, so keep an eye on the dough’s consistency and adjust as needed.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding white chocolate chips or poppy seeds pairs wonderfully with lemon. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients for an extra twist on this classic cookie.

Why do my cookies spread too much or not enough?

Spreading can be influenced by the temperature of your butter, the amount of flour, or oven heat. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, measure flour accurately, and bake at the suggested temperature. Chilling the dough briefly can also help control spreading if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a bright spot in any baking routine, offering that perfect burst of citrus combined with a soft, crackly texture that feels like a little celebration with every bite. Trust me, once you try making these, they will quickly become a favorite to share and savor over and over again. So grab those lemons, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to something truly special today!

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