Lemon crinkle cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, boasting a vibrant citrus flavor and irresistible soft texture. These charming treats feature a crackled appearance, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

What Are Crinkle Cookies?

Crinkle cookies, also known as crackle cookies, are a type of cookie characterized by their crackled appearance on the surface. This unique texture is achieved by rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking, causing them to crack as they expand in the oven. Crinkle cookies come in various flavors, with lemon being a popular choice for its bright and refreshing taste.

Why This Recipe Works:

The combination of tangy lemon zest and juice adds a burst of citrus flavor to the sweet cookie dough.
Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar creates a beautiful crinkle effect and adds a subtle sweetness to each bite.
This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires simple ingredients, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Lemon crinkle cookies are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself.

About This Recipe:

Difficulty: Easy
Texture: Soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior and crackled surface.
Flavor: Bright and zesty lemon flavor balanced with sweetness from the powdered sugar coating.
Time: Approximately 30 minutes to prepare the dough, plus additional time for chilling and baking.

Ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Vegetable oil
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Fresh lemon zest and juice
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Overview of How to Make Them:

Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the oil, slowly, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls, then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Here are five tips for making this recipe:

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensures a chewy texture.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice: For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar: Coating the dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful crinkle effect.
Space the cookies evenly on the baking sheets: Leave enough room between the dough balls for them to spread as they bake.
Store in an airtight container: Keep the cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Equipment You May Need:

Storage Tips:

Store the cooled lemon crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

With their delightful citrus flavor and charming appearance, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are sure to brighten any day. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite!