Soft & Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Zesty Homemade Joy

Lemon crinkle cookies dance between tangy brightness and sweet comfort with surprising elegance.

Powdered sugar transforms ordinary ingredients into a delightful dessert experience.

Delicate cracks reveal a soft interior that melts in you mouth.

Zesty citrus notes surprise every bite with unexpected depth.

Home bakers adore these simple yet impressive treats that look professionally crafted.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in these charming little cookies.

You won’t believe how easily these delectable morsels come together in your kitchen.

What Goes into Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Butter: Soft, creamy base that adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp exterior with golden color.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps activate leavening agents.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Yellow Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for vibrant lemon-like appearance.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for the cookie, creating soft and chewy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Creates signature crinkle effect and sweet exterior coating.

Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Baking Instructions

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab your stand mixer or mixing bowl.

Blend softened butter and sugar until they become fluffy and light.

Pour in the egg, fresh lemon juice, bright lemon zest, vanilla extract, and optional yellow food coloring.

Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Elements

Gradually sprinkle dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything combines perfectly.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Rounds

Grab a small cookie scoop and create uniform dough balls.

If the dough feels too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Create Sugary Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar

Ensure each cookie is generously coated.

Place the sugar-covered balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain slightly soft.

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before enjoying.

Cookie Crinkle Tips With Lemon Softness

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and ensure a thick, chewy texture that holds its shape perfectly during baking.
• Lightly grease your hands or use a cookie scoop when forming dough balls to minimize sticking and create uniform-sized cookies.
• Double-roll cookies in granulated and powdered sugar for a beautiful crackled appearance and extra sweetness that enhances the lemon flavor.
• Use room temperature butter and egg to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a consistent cookie dough texture that's easy to work with.
• Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the dough for an intense, bright citrus flavor that elevates these crinkle cookies from good to spectacular.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Stay Soft After a Day

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, lasting up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture and bring back that just-baked warmth.
• If cookies become slightly dry, add a slice of bread to the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

What Goes With Lemon Crinkle Cookies

• Craft Zesty Beverage Companions: Pair these lemon crinkle cookies with refreshing drinks that complement their bright citrus profile.
• Brew Citrus-Friendly Tea: Choose light herbal teas like chamomile or green tea that enhance the cookie's delicate lemon flavor without overpowering its sweetness.
• Select Crisp White Wines: Opt for light, crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that mirror the cookies' tangy and sweet characteristics.
• Create Creamy Contrasts: Serve alongside cold milk or a smooth vanilla latte to balance the cookies' zesty notes and provide a rich, creamy counterpoint.

Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Flavors

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cookies maintain their soft texture while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and swap vanilla extract for a plant-based alternative to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the cookie.
• Citrus Swap: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the signature crinkle cookie texture and appearance.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or reduce the sugar content, adjusting the recipe to maintain the cookies' characteristic softness and chewiness.

FAQs

• Why do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Refrigerating the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The cold dough keeps its shape better and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more concentrated lemon taste and a perfectly textured cookie.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added preservatives that might affect the cookie’s taste and texture.

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

Look for slightly set edges and centers that still appear soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. The crinkled top should have a light golden color, and the powdered sugar coating will create a beautiful crackled appearance.

• What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of butter, egg, and careful mixing technique helps create the soft and chewy texture. Careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cookies and make them crisp instead of tender.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Soft Inside With Zesty Edges

• Elevate Baking Skills: Master a simple yet impressive cookie recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a delightful dessert with minimal baking expertise.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes of active time, with just basic mixing and rolling techniques that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Capture the bright, zesty essence of lemon in a soft, crinkly cookie that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, guaranteed to wow family and friends at gatherings.
• Versatile Occasion Treat: Perfect for summer picnics, afternoon tea, dessert tables, or as a cheerful homemade gift that brings instant sunshine to any moment with its vibrant yellow color and refreshing taste.

Soft and Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Lemon crinkle cookies dance with zesty brightness, promising pure citrus delight. Powdered sugar coating and tender texture create irresistible Mediterranean-inspired magic you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Lemon Flavoring:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 58 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

For Rolling:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter and sugar in a mixer until airy and pale, creating a fluffy base for the cookie dough.
2. Incorporate egg, tangy lemon juice, fragrant zest, vanilla, and optional yellow food coloring, blending until smooth and integrated.
3. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to enhance flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
5. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
6. Remove chilled dough and let sit briefly at room temperature to soften slightly for easier scooping.
7. Scoop dough into uniform balls, returning to refrigerator if too soft to handle comfortably.
8. Create a two-stage coating by first rolling each dough ball in granulated sugar, then generously dusting with powdered sugar for a classic crinkle effect.
9. Arrange sugar-coated cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow gentle spreading during baking.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers – a key indicator of perfectly textured cookies.
11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and egg, to ensure smooth and even mixing for a consistent cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, soft result.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime for unique flavor variations while maintaining the crinkle cookie technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg