Soft and tangy lemon crinkle cookies with a sugary crackle exterior, perfect for a refreshing treat.
Prep
20 min
Cook
12 min
Total
62 min
Servings
24
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Pro tip: Ensure butter is soft for better creaming.
Add wet ingredients
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until combined.
Pro tip: Use fresh lemon juice for optimal flavour.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill the dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Pro tip: Chilling helps prevent spreading.
Form and coat cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Pro tip: Roll just before baking to ensure a crinkle look.
Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are cracked.
Pro tip: Cookies will appear soft but firm up as they cool.
Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavour.
- Chill the dough for easier handling and uniform baking.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar just before baking for the classic crinkle look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make lemon crinkle cookies?
Lemon crinkle cookies are made by preparing a dough with lemon zest and juice, rolling it in powdered sugar, and baking until cracked on top.
What makes crinkle cookies crack?
The cracking occurs when the dough expands in the oven, causing the powdered sugar coating to split and create a crinkle effect.
Can you freeze lemon crinkle cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them by placing in a single layer, freezing until solid, then storing in a zip-top bag for up to three months.
How long do lemon crinkle cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to a week at room temperature.
How many calories are in a lemon crinkle cookie?
Each lemon crinkle cookie contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the best lemon to use for baking?
Fresh lemons, preferably organic, are best for baking to ensure vibrant zest and juice without any wax coating.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavour, but bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
120
Calories
1g
Protein
5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
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