Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they emerge from the oven with their signature crinkled appearance and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you crave a fresh, zesty treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Lemon crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
Clock symbol indicating preparation, baking, and chilling times

Prep – 15 minutes
Chill – 30 minutes
Bake – 10 minutes

Illustration of three chocolate chips cookies overlaying on each other.

20 cookies
Ingredients
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
  • Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
  • Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  • Roll dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
  • Cool on pan 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Tips & Tricks

  • Roll generously in powdered sugar to get that dramatic crinkle effect.

  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor — don’t skip the zest!

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft.

  • These cookies also freeze well — freeze dough balls or baked cookies for future baking.

  • Serve at room temperature with tea, lemonade, or a glass of cold milk.

  • Enjoy with a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream for a light dessert duo.

Related Recipes

  • Lemon Bars – A classic citrus dessert with a sweet-tart custard on shortbread crust.

  • Lemon Sorbet – Light and refreshing, it complements the cookies’ zesty flavor.

  • Key Lime Pie – A tangy citrus dessert with a creamy filling and graham crust.