Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Bright & Covered in Sweet Powdered Sugar Crinkles

Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Bright & Covered in Sweet Powdered Sugar Crinkles

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a burst of sunshine in cookie form — soft, chewy, slightly cakey, and rolled in powdered sugar that bakes into beautiful snowy crinkles. Every bite is fresh, citrusy, sweet, and irresistibly tender. If you love lemon bars, lemonade, or anything bright and zesty, these cookies will be an instant favorite. They’re perfect for spring, holidays, baby showers, tea parties, or anytime you want a refreshing dessert that feels light yet indulgent. These cookies deliver everything: brightness, softness, simplicity, and that classic powdered sugar crinkle that makes them look as good as they taste.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Servings: 20 Cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
½ cup powdered sugar for rolling
Optional:
1 –2 drops yellow food coloring for a brighter color

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Microplane zester
Cookie scoop
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Method

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together in a bowl:
flour
baking soda
baking powder
salt
Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, Eggs

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add:
egg
egg yolk
vanilla
lemon juice
lemon zest
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough 30–45 minutes — crucial for thick, soft crinkles.

Step 4: Scoop & Roll

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheet with parchment.
Scoop 1–2 tablespoon dough balls.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake 10–12 minutes, until:
the tops are crinkled
the edges are set
the centers still look soft
Cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: 4–5 days
Freezer (baked): 2 months
Freezer (dough balls): 2 months

Thaw dough balls before rolling in powdered sugar.

🥄 Variations

Lemon Almond Crinkles – Add ½ teaspoon almond extract.

Lemon Poppyseed Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds.

Glazed Lemon Crinkles – Drizzle with lemon icing after baking.

Meyer Lemon Crinkles – Use Meyer lemons for sweetness.

White Chocolate Lemon Crinkles – Fold in white chocolate chips.

Extra Lemon Punch – Add more zest or lemon extract.

Lemon Raspberry Crinkles – Add freeze-dried raspberry pieces.

Lemon Coconut Crinkles – Add ¼ cup shredded coconut.

Gluten-Free Version – Use 1:1 GF flour.

Super Soft Version – Add 1 tbsp sour cream for a cakier texture.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why didn't my crinkles crack?
Dough wasn’t chilled enough OR oven temperature was too low.

Why are my cookies flat?
Butter too warm — chill longer next time.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh gives the best flavor and aroma.

Can I skip the lemon zest?
No — it adds most of the lemon flavor.

Can I refrigerate overnight?
Yes — dough can chill 24–48 hours.

Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes — they thaw beautifully.

Do they stay soft?
Yes — store with a marshmallow or bread slice to maintain softness.

Can I make them bigger?
Absolutely — add 1–2 minutes of baking time.

Can I make them less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar coating.

Why use an extra yolk?
It adds richer flavor and keeps cookies extra soft and chewy.

🏁 Conclusion

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are bright, refreshing, impossibly soft, and dusted in the perfect snowy layer of powdered sugar. They’re simple to make, absolutely beautiful on any dessert tray, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s light yet indulgent, classic yet exciting, and guaranteed to be loved by everyone — this recipe is pure lemon perfection.