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Lemon Crinkle Cookies from Scratch

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These lemon crinkle cookies from scratch are perfect for beautiful sunny days.

lemon crinkle cookies on a blue plate


 

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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I have a love-love relationship with lemon-flavored everything. I love lemonade, lemon meringue pie, and lemon cookies. So I decided that I had to make lemon crinkle cookies from scratch for the Spring.

My initial search for a lemon crinkle cookie recipe led to many recipes that used cake mix as a main ingredient. I have no problem with using cake mix in baking but that’s not something I usually have on hand. On the other hand, I always have butter, flour, sugar, and lemons. Food coloring usually isn’t a common ingredient found in my kitchen but lately that has changed. My macaron baking addiction has led me to buy lots of food coloring. Also, Easter is near and eggs must be dyed.

I think crinkle cookies are so darn cute. I had to do a lot of testing and research to understand how to get these cookies just the way I wanted, soft, crinkly, and lemony. This recipe does just that.

lemon crinkle cookies on a blue plate

So what’s the secret to getting that crinkle powders sugar look on top? A few things. Make sure your dough is a room temperature when it is rolled. Most cookie dough is refrigerated for a bit before baking which causes the cookies not to spread. Crinkle cookies should spread; hence a room temperature dough works best.

Roll your cookies in granulated sugar first before you roll them into powdered sugar. The granulated sugar will get absorbed into the cookie while baking, allowing your powdered sugar to remain and not disappear in the baking process. A good crinkle cookie has plenty of nice baked powdered sugar on top.

What are lemon crinkle cookies?

Lemon crinkle cookies are a type of soft and chewy cookie that is flavored with fresh lemon zest and juice. They have a sweet and tangy taste balanced with a light and fluffy texture.

Can you make lemon crinkle cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make lemon crinkle cookies in advance. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do you store leftover lemon crinkle cookies?

Store leftover lemon crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.

I hope you enjoy this lemon crinkle cookie recipe as much as we do.

Looking for more Cookie Recipes? Try these Out:

Cookie Recipes -- CLONED

lemon crinkle cookies on a plate
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4.52 from 29 votes

Lemon Crinkle Cookies From Scratch

These lemon crinkle cookies from scratch are perfect for beautiful sunny days.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cookie recipes, lemon crinkle cookies, lemon crinkle cookies from scratch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 111.8kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter 8 tablespoons, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 dashes yellow food coloring optional
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring and mix well.
  • Add flour mixture into butter mixture and mix until dough is just combined. 
  • Pick 1/2 tablespoons of the the dough and roll into ball. Place granulated sugar and powdered sugar in separate shallow plate. Roll cookie dough in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. Then place balls on baking sheets.
  • Bake in preheated oven for for 14-16 minutes. Remove from oven. Finish cooling on cooling rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 111.8kcal
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Adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

Pin Lemon Crinkle Cookies From Scratch

This post was originally published on April 10, 2017. It has been updated with additional helpful information.

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Recipe Rating




Ada

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

I love lemon cookies! Planning on making them today. Would you suggest I don’t let the butter sit out for too long so as to get the crinkles and how do you store once baked?

Tanya

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Hey Ada, I usually allow mine to sit out for about 1 hour. I store them in an airtight container on my counter for a couple of days.

Sandra

Friday 5th of May 2023

These are nice refreshing little gems. Everybody at my quilt group enjoyed. Was disappointed that they didn’t crinkle or have the powdered sugar stay on top. Can you help? Is the 325 degree oven correct? Thanks Sandi

Tanya

Monday 8th of May 2023

Thanks Sandi! It is. I have a video showing how I make it as well. I've had this issue when my butter was too soft.

Jeremiah

Monday 24th of April 2023

I made these Lemon Crinkle cookies this past weekend and they were a huge hit! So light and delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

One of my coworkers said “I don’t know what your process was, but don’t change anything. These are addictively perfect!”

Tanya

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Yay Jeremiah! So happy to hear that you all enjoyed these cookies. Thanks for letting me know :)

Ann-Marie

Monday 17th of April 2023

Where did you find that wonderful mixer bowl?

Tanya

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

Hi Ann-Marie, I picked this one up from Crate & Barrel.

JC

Saturday 8th of May 2021

They didnt krinkle like the picture? What did i do wrong?