Tender Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Soft, tender lemon crinkle cookies with a zesty powdered sugar dusting that creates a beautiful crinkle effect and bright citrus flavor. Perfect for a quick, flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (yellow part only)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or bottled lemon juice)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest. Add lemon extract if using.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Place 1 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. For extra zest, mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form dough balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies have spread and formed crinkles, edges set but centers still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, for best texture. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cookies tender. Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar mixed with lemon zest for the signature crinkle effect. Chill dough for 15 minutes if too sticky. Fresh lemon zest is important for best flavor. Cookies can be frozen baked or as dough balls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 1.5
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7
- Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 1
Keywords: lemon cookies, crinkle cookies, lemon crinkle cookies, powdered sugar cookies, easy lemon dessert, tender cookies, citrus cookies