Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The Ultimate Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Tangy Bliss

Whipping up these delightful very lemon crinkle cookies brings a burst of sunshine to your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance across each powdery white surface, promising pure delight.

Soft and pillowy textures melt in your mouth with incredible brightness.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers that spark joy in every bite.

Powdered sugar creates a magical snow-like coating that crackles beautifully when baked.

Sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly, making these cookies irresistible for afternoon tea or weekend treats.

Why Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Are Zesty

  • Burst with Citrus Flavor: Experience a zesty explosion of lemon in every bite, creating a refreshing twist on classic crinkle cookies that dance on your taste buds.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean bakers of all skill levels can confidently create these stunning, powdered sugar-coated cookies that look professionally made.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a bright pick-me-up treat that brings sunshine to any occasion with its vibrant lemon personality.

Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple baking ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
Lemon Flavoring and Coating:
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Infuses the cookies with bright, citrusy flavor and tanginess.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creating a classic crinkle appearance and adding a sweet finish.

How to Make Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Toss in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice

Blend until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix the dough.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small, round balls.

Then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful crinkly coating.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for slightly golden edges as your signal they’re done.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Serve and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips for Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies

  • Grate lemon zest finely to ensure intense citrus taste without bitter white pith in your cookies.
  • Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for a beautiful crackled appearance and extra sweetness.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies.
  • Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are slightly golden to maintain soft, chewy texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their delicate lemon flavor.

Variations of Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Sugar Citrus Cookies: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining lemony flavor.
  • Vegan Lemon Crinkle Treats: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and ensure plant-based vanilla extract for a dairy-free option.
  • Zesty Orange Alternative: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile while keeping the same cookie texture.

Serving Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies

  • Lemon Lover's Dream Plate: Pair these zesty cookies with a cold glass of fresh lemonade for a refreshing summer treat.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside a delicate cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea to enhance the citrusy flavor profile.
  • Dessert Elegance: Dust extra powdered sugar on top and garnish with thin lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Sweet Gifting Idea: Package these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a bright yellow ribbon for a delightful homemade gift that brings sunshine to anyone's day.

Storing Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 275F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture and revive the lemony aroma.
  • Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate to soften and warm them quickly, but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?

The powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect and gives the cookies a beautiful, crackled appearance when baked.

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch if you don’t have fresh lemons available.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

  • What makes these cookies have such a strong lemon flavor?

The combination of fresh lemon zest and lemon juice provides an intense, bright citrus taste throughout the cookie.

Print
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Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Very Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Zesty lemon crinkle cookies dance with bright citrus energy, promising a delightful bakery experience. Sweet powdered sugar coating and tangy lemon zest create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Coating:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until fully integrated and fragrant.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Shape the dough into uniform round balls, then generously coat each ball by rolling in powdered sugar to create the signature crinkle effect.
  7. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie for spreading.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges that indicate the cookies are perfectly done.
  9. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to set and reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that makes these cookies pop.
  • For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend to maintain soft, tender cookie consistency.
  • Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar right before baking to create those gorgeous crackled, snowy-white surfaces that make these cookies visually stunning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 121 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 39 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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