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Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Bright & Beautifully Zesty

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are sunshine in cookie form — soft, light, gently chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. The zest and juice give them a fresh citrus brightness, while the powdered sugar coating creates their signature crinkled, snow-dusted look as they bake. They’re sweet, tart, and wonderfully soft — the kind of cookie that melts gently on your tongue and leaves the perfect fresh lemon finish. They’re ideal for spring celebrations, afternoon tea moments, baby showers, bridal gatherings, holiday trays, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. If you love cookies that feel refreshing, comforting, and a little whimsical — these are the ones. 🍋✨
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 5 drops yellow food coloring optional, for a soft pastel hue
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Microplane or zester
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
  1. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
Step 3:
  1. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and silky.
Step 4:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5:
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently using a spatula until a soft dough forms.
  2. (If using food coloring, add it now and mix just until evenly tinted.)
Step 6:
  1. Scoop the dough and roll into soft balls.
Step 7:
  1. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar so the surface is fully coated.
Step 8:
  1. Place cookies on your baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Step 9:
  1. Bake for 8–12 minutes, just until the tops crack and the edges look set.
  2. (Centers should remain soft — they firm up as they cool.)
Step 10:
  1. Let cookies rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for 5–6 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To re-soften, microwave for 6 seconds to revive texture.
🥄 Variations
Extra Lemon Lovers: Add another ½ tsp lemon zest.
Glazed Upgrade: Drizzle with a simple lemon icing (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
Lavender Lemon: Add a tiny pinch of culinary lavender for floral notes.
Sugar Sparkle: Roll in coarse sugar before powdered sugar for extra shine.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why roll in powdered sugar?
It creates the pretty crinkle effect when the cookies bake.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes — it’s only for color, not flavor.
Why are my cookies flat?
Dough may have been too warm — chill 10 minutes before baking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice tastes stronger and brighter — recommended.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — these disappear fast!
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely — delicious variation.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — roll into balls, freeze, then bake (add 1–2 min).
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking — remove when centers still look a tiny bit soft.
Can I add white chocolate chips?
Yes! They melt beautifully into the lemon flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, sweet, bright, and full of sunny flavor — the kind of cookie that feels like a fresh breath of spring. The powdered sugar cracks beautifully, the lemon shines through, and every bite feels cheerful and comforting.
Bake them for gatherings, gifts, or quiet joy in a cup-of-tea moment