These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite! Soft and chewy with a tender crumb, they are infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a vibrant, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with a hint of sweetness. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they create their signature crinkled appearance—making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, tea time, or anytime you crave a refreshing sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright & Zesty: Fresh lemon flavor shines through every bite.
Soft & Chewy: Tender centers with slightly crisp edges.
Fun & Festive: Classic crinkle pattern adds visual appeal.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Form & Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat generously.
7. Bake
Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set.
8. Cool & Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh zest and juice provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be soft and slightly chewy in the center.
- Extra Crinkle Effect: Roll generously in powdered sugar for more pronounced cracks.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer keeping.
Why This Recipe Works
The bright lemon flavor and soft, tender texture make these crinkle cookies irresistible. Powdered sugar coating not only gives them a beautiful cracked appearance but also adds an extra touch of sweetness without overpowering the citrus tang.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and chewy, simple and stunning. They’re a cheerful addition to any cookie platter, afternoon snack, or springtime celebration, bringing fresh flavor and a burst of sunshine to every bite.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Tangy, and Delightfully Sweet
24
servings15
minutes10
minutes110
kcal27
minutesThese Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite! Soft and chewy with a tender crumb, they are infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a vibrant, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with a hint of sweetness. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they create their signature crinkled appearance—making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, tea time, or anytime you crave a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Combine
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. - Form & Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat generously. - Bake
Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set. - Cool & Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh zest and juice provide the best flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be soft and slightly chewy in the center.
Extra Crinkle Effect: Roll generously in powdered sugar for more pronounced cracks.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer keeping.