Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 55 g Unsalted butter (room temperature); 55 g Oil; 150 g Granulated sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 Egg (room temperature); ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract; 250 g All purpose flour; ½ teaspoon Salt; ¼ teaspoon Baking soda; 100 g Granulated sugar; 120 g Powdered sugar

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If you’re looking to brighten your baking repertoire with something both refreshing and irresistibly delightful, this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between zesty citrus flavor and a soft, chewy texture, crowned with that signature crackled sugary exterior that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Trust me, once you try these lemony gems, they’ll become your go-to treat for sunny days and cozy afternoons alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface, each with a creamy yellow mixture being whipped by a hand mixer. The first bowl's mixture is thick with a rough texture, and the beaters of the mixer are moving fast, stirring the creamy mixture. In the second bowl, the mixture looks smoother and lighter in color, with a woman's hand holding a metal measuring spoon filled with a pale yellow liquid above the bowl, ready to be added. Both mixtures have swirls from the mixing, and the scene captures the process of combining ingredients smoothly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient has a role that transforms the dough into a burst of lemony goodness. Together, they create a tender, flavorful cookie with a beautifully crinkled top that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

55 g Unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
55 g Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender for that perfect chew.
150 g Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the crinkled texture with lemon zest infusion.
Zest of 1 lemon: Packs a fresh, aromatic punch to brighten every bite.
3 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds tangy citrus brightness that defines these cookies.
1 Egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds to the soft texture.
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract: Balances the lemon flavor with subtle warmth.
250 g All purpose flour: The base providing structure for the cookies.
½ Teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
¼ Teaspoon Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop their tender crumb.
100 g Granulated sugar: For coating the dough balls, adding a slight crunch.
120 g Powdered sugar: The second coating that forms the classic crackled surface.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Sugar

Start by zesting a large organic lemon and vigorously massaging the zest into the granulated sugar. This step is crucial—it releases the lemon’s oils straight into the sugar, infusing the cookies with vibrant citrus notes that shine through every bite.

Step 2: Cream with Butter

Using an electric hand mixer, cream the room temperature butter and lemon-infused sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This laundering of air into the batter creates a tender texture and helps the cookies rise beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

To the creamed mixture, add the oil, egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make cookies tough rather than tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, just until incorporated. This ensures you maintain a delicate crumb while blending all flavors evenly.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into approximately 16 to 18 balls, using a tablespoon-sized cookie or ice cream scoop, and place them on the sheets. Refrigerate the dough for about an hour. This chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and boosts the depth of flavor.

Step 6: Coat the Cookies for Crinkles

Preheat your oven to 165°C (330°F) without fan. Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then toss them generously in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This thick sugary shell is essential for creating that iconic crinkle look during baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place the coated dough balls spaced apart on the baking sheets and bake for about 15 minutes. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool, preserving that perfect chewy center and crackled exterior.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Four round, pale yellow cookies with cracked tops are arranged on a white plate. Each cookie has a thick layer of white powdered sugar resting unevenly on the cracked surface, showing the soft texture underneath. The cookies look soft and slightly thick, with the powdered sugar giving a rough, patchy texture. The plate sits on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are lovely on their own, but you can amp up their presentation with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a thin slice of candied lemon on top. The contrast of sweet and tart garnishes mirrors the cookie’s own flavor and adds a beautiful touch for guests.

Side Dishes

Serve your Lemon Crinkle Cookies with a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea or a cold glass of milk. The citrus flavor pairs wonderfully with beverages that are either creamy or lightly floral, making snack time feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a pretty plate and tying them with a bright yellow ribbon for gifting or party favors. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Crinkle Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them covered well ensures they stay soft and prevent them from absorbing unwanted moisture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freezing them works wonderfully. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature. If you want to freshen them up, pop them into a warm oven (about 150°C / 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive that freshly baked texture and aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with all oil or vice versa?

While this recipe balances butter and oil for texture and flavor, using all butter will give you richer taste but a denser cookie, and all oil might make the cookies too soft. Sticking to the recipe yields the best Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe results.

Do I have to chill the dough for an hour?

Chilling allows the dough to firm up and develop flavor, leading to better texture and crinkles. While you can bake immediately, you might lose some of that signature look and tender crumb that make these cookies special.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives a bright, natural citrus zing that extract can’t fully replicate. You can use extract if needed, but it’s best to also use fresh zest to maintain that authentic lemon character.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough and ensuring proper coating with both granulated and powdered sugar helps retain shape. Also, avoid using too much oil or over-handling the dough, which can cause excess spreading.

What causes the crinkle effect on the cookies?

The crinkle effect happens because the dough balls are heavily coated in powdered sugar, which dries and cracks as the cookie expands during baking. This creates the beautiful crackled surface that defines the Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a bright, cheerful addition to any baking adventure that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a citrusy delight, these cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and charm. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be baking these zesty little wonders on repeat in no time!