Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step into a world of bright, citrusy magic with these cloud-like Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in a delicate, powdery coating that melts on your tongue. The secret lies in infusing fresh lemon zest directly into the sugar, creating an aromatic foundation that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.

Recently, I baked these for a spring garden party, and they disappeared faster than the afternoon sunshine. The combination of their pretty crackled tops and bright lemon aroma had everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Having made these countless times, I’ve found that taking the extra minute to really massage the lemon zest into the sugar makes all the difference. It’s become almost meditative – the fresh citrus aroma filling my kitchen as I prepare these sunny treats. Serve these alongside afternoon tea or with a glass of cold lemonade for the ultimate citrus experience. They also make wonderful companions to fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Quick Benefits

• Bright, citrusy flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy
• Aromatic foundation created by infusing fresh lemon zest into the sugar
• Versatile recipe – can be customized with different citrus combinations or additional herbs for a unique twist
• Soft, delicate texture that stays fresh for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead treat

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Recipe

• Bright, Citrusy Flavors: The lemon zest, lemon extract, and fresh lemon juice create a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that is refreshing and delightful.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The delicate, powdery coating and soft, cloud-like texture of these cookies make them incredibly satisfying to bite into.
• Irresistible Aroma: Infusing fresh lemon zest directly into the sugar results in a fragrant, aromatic foundation that elevates the overall experience of these cookies.
• Perfect for Spring and Summer: These cookies are ideal for warm weather gatherings, garden parties, or as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cold beverage.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe offers room for creativity by allowing you to experiment with different citrus combinations or add additional herbs like lavender or rosemary for unique flavor profiles.
• Easy to Store: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy them fresh and soft whenever you crave a burst of citrusy goodness.
• Mood-Boosting Treat: Baking and indulging in these lemon crinkle cookies can bring a sense of joy and sunshine to your day, making them a perfect pick-me-up for any occasion.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Cookie Dough

• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (175g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 heaping tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

For Rolling

• ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

How to Make Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Infuse Sugar

Rub lemon zest into sugar for 30 seconds to extract the oils.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine melted butter and extracts with lemon sugar. Gradually whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients in two parts until just combined.

Step 5: Form Cookies

Roll 1-1.2 oz dough balls in granulated sugar, then coat in powdered sugar. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and set. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and cooled your lemon crinkle cookies, store them in an airtight container. To prevent the cookies from sticking together or losing their delicate texture, place parchment paper between the layers of cookies. This will help maintain their softness and preserve their flavor.

For optimal freshness and texture, store the lemon crinkle cookies at room temperature. They will remain soft and delicious for up to three days when stored properly. However, due to their irresistible flavor and texture, these cookies tend to disappear quickly, so you may not need to worry about long-term storage!

Enjoy these lemon crinkle cookies with a cup of tea, a glass of lemonade, or as a delightful dessert alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Experiment with different citrus combinations or add a touch of lavender or rosemary for a unique twist on this classic recipe. These cookies are sure to brighten any day with their vibrant lemon flavor and delightful crinkled tops.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for ingredients in this lemon crinkle cookie recipe, there are a few options to consider. For the lemon zest, you can swap it out with other citrus zest like orange or lime to create a different flavor profile while maintaining the fresh, aromatic essence. Experimenting with different citrus combinations can add a fun twist to these cookies and cater to your preferences.

In case you don’t have lemon extract on hand, you can substitute it with additional fresh lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor in the cookies. The lemon extract contributes to the intensity of the lemon essence, so using a bit more lemon juice can help compensate for that. Just be mindful of not adding too much additional liquid to the dough, as it can affect the texture of the cookies. Making small adjustments like this can still result in delicious lemony treats that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful lemon crinkle cookies at brunch or a spring picnic for a burst of citrusy refreshment. Create a stunning dessert platter by arranging the cookies on a tiered stand with fresh lemon slices and edible flowers for a pop of color. The combination of sweet, tangy flavors and delicate, powdery coating will have your guests reaching for seconds.

For a cozy night in, pair these lemon crinkle cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea or a creamy lemon custard. You can even elevate them further by sandwiching a scoop of lemon sorbet between two cookies for a delightful frozen treat. The versatility of these cookies makes them a perfect addition to any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

FAQs for Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Can I substitute the lemon extract with something else?

You can substitute the lemon extract with additional lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor. Alternatively, you can use vanilla extract for a more subtle citrus taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, let the dough balls thaw slightly at room temperature and proceed with the recipe.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure the butter is properly melted and cooled before incorporating it into the dough. Additionally, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture and slightly nuttier flavor. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to achieve the desired cookie consistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful citrusy treat that never fails to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. Their soft, pillowy texture and zesty flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant tea parties. The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the way they effortlessly capture the essence of a sunny day with each bite.

So, the next time you’re craving a burst of lemony goodness, whip up a batch of these Lemon Crinkle Cookies and watch as they disappear before your eyes. Embrace the therapeutic process of infusing the lemon zest into the sugar and savor the citrusy aroma that will fill your kitchen. These cookies are a true testament to the joy that baking can bring, and I hope they become a staple in your recipe collection.

Zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

“Cloud-like lemon crinkle cookies with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, delicately coated in a powdery sugar finish – a citrusy magic in every bite!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time11 Minutes

Total Time21 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings20 Servings (18-20 cookies)

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (175g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 heaping tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

For Rolling

• ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Infuse Sugar: Rub lemon zest into sugar for 30 seconds to extract the oils.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine melted butter and extracts with lemon sugar. Gradually whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients in two parts until just combined.
5. Form Cookies: Roll 1-1.2 oz dough balls in granulated sugar, then coat in powdered sugar. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and set. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.