Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A Soft, Citrus Hug in Every Bite

Every spring, when the first lemons would ripen on my grandmother’s tree, the kitchen would fill with the unmistakable scent of citrus and butter. Nonna would zest and juice those golden globes into everything from cakes to marinades, but my favorite treat—hands down—were her Lemon Crinkle Cookies. These buttery, pillowy cookies packed a bright punch of lemon and looked like they were dusted in snow thanks to their signature crinkle coating.

Soft and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the perfect spring baking project. Whether you’re planning a tea-time get-together, a summer picnic, or simply craving something zesty and sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day. Plus, they’re super easy to make—even if you’re a beginner baker!

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Why You Should Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

There’s a reason these cookies have fans far and wide—they check all the boxes for what a great cookie should be:

• Soft and chewy cookies that stay tender for days.
• Tangy lemon flavor with just the right balance of sweetness.
• The gorgeous crinkle top makes them look bakery-ready.
• Perfect for gifting in treat boxes or bringing to bake sales and cookie exchanges.
• They travel well and keep their shape—ideal for summer picnic treats or wedding dessert tables.

Looking for other cookies that impress with simplicity? Try our cozy Snickerdoodle Cookies for a cinnamon-sugar twist or Explore our easy No-Bake Cookies for quick treats when the oven feels like too much effort.

Ingredients in Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (use fresh lemons for that authentic citrus flavor!)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 5–8 drops yellow food coloring (optional but adds visual flair)

For Rolling:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Ingredient Tip: Want even more zing? Double the lemon zest and juice, or add a drop of lemon extract. Lime zest also works for a fun variation!

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

This is a homemade cookie recipe that’s friendly for even first-time bakers. Here’s how to make your lemon dreams come true:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter with granulated sugar until fluffy and light.

Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using.

Combine: Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Chill cookie dough: Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours (important to prevent spreading).

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Form cookies: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop.

Roll in sugar: First in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to coat generously.

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Cool on a cooling rack.

Baking Note: The dough should be firm when scooping. If it softens too much, pop it back into the fridge for a bit.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Always chill the dough—it helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice—bottled juice won’t give the same flavor.
• Double sugar roll for that beautiful crinkled look.
• Don’t overbake—they should be just set when removed from the oven.
• Add lemon extract if you want a stronger citrus punch.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

• Dough: Roll into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a zip bag. Bake from frozen (add 1 extra minute).
• Baked cookies: Freeze in layers with parchment. Sugar coating may fade, but flavor stays strong!

7. Nutritional Info + Recipe Snapshot

Detail	Info
Prep Time	15 minutes
Chill Time	2 hours
Bake Time	10–12 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 25 minutes
Yield	24 cookies
Calories (per cookie)	~130 kcal

Interested in more cookie classics? Discover the best homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies here or Savor the rich flavor of our Butter Pecan Cookies.

Comments & Community Feedback

What did you think of these Lemon Crinkle Cookies? Did you add a twist like poppy seeds or try it with Meyer lemons? Drop a comment and let us know! Your tweaks and tips help make our baking community even sweeter.

Explore our Sweet Treats board for even more delightful cookie ideas — there’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you!

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