Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 3 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 drops yellow food coloring, optional; 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a bright, zesty treat that’s just as delightful to make as it is to eat, I’ve got you covered with my favorite Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These soft, chewy cookies with their signature crackled, powdered sugar coating are seriously fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for sharing or sneaking all to yourself. Trust me, once you taste the tangy lemon pop with that melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll be hooked. So, let’s get baking — I promise, it’s easier than it looks!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and juice combine with lemon extract to give these cookies a vibrant, irresistible zing.
Perfectly Soft Texture: The addition of cornstarch helps keep the cookies tender and chewy, even after baking.
Beautiful Crinkle Appearance: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates that signature cracked “crinkle” look we all love.
Simple & Vegan Friendly: Using vegan butter means this recipe is approachable for different diets without sacrificing flavor.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies, Lemon Cookies Recipe, Easy Lemon Cookies, Chewy Lemon Cookies, Zesty Lemon Cookie Recipe - A top view of twelve yellow lemon cookies with cracks on top, each dusted with white powdered sugar, arranged neatly on a gold cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. Three lemon halves with bright yellow peel and juicy pale yellow interior are placed in between the cookies. A clear glass bowl filled with white powdered sugar is seen at the top left corner. The cookies have a soft, cracked texture with powdered sugar filling the cracks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe plays its part in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s why I swear by these specific choices—plus a few tips on what to look for when you’re shopping.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies, Lemon Cookies Recipe, Easy Lemon Cookies, Chewy Lemon Cookies, Zesty Lemon Cookie Recipe - Flat lay of fresh lemons with bright yellow zest shaved delicately, a small mound of granulated sugar sparkling under soft light, a smooth slab of vegan butter softened and creamy, a glass container of clear fresh lemon juice, tiny drops of golden yellow food coloring, a heap of white powdered sugar dusted lightly nearby, and a sprinkle of pure vanilla extract in a small glass vial, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Vegan Butter: Provides a creamy fat base that keeps these cookies soft, plus it’s a great dairy-free alternative without compromising flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that slight crisp on the cookie edges.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Lends warmth and depth to balance the lemon zing.
Lemon Extract: Amplifies the lemon flavor without adding moisture.
Fresh Grated Lemon Zest: Adds natural citrus oils and aroma that make all the difference.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Gives acidity to brighten the cookie’s taste.
Yellow Food Coloring (Optional): Just for a sunny pop of color—totally optional but fun if you want that vibrant look!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure while keeping cookies tender.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon that ensures a soft, delicate crumb.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for that perfect texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Powdered Sugar: The key to the classic crinkle cookie appearance when the cookies bake.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like a bolder lemon punch or a subtler touch, you can play around with the extracts and zest. I sometimes sneak in poppy seeds for a little texture—totally optional but delicious!

More Lemon Zest: For an extra citrus burst, I love adding a teaspoon more zest—makes the cookies super fragrant.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to suit dietary needs, and the cookies still turn out perfect.
Add Poppy Seeds: I once tried adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds for crunch and it gave a lovely twist without messing with texture.
Skip Food Coloring: I usually skip the yellow coloring unless I’m making them for a bright party spread—it’s just for looks!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper so nothing sticks (trust me, this saves a lot of headache!). I also like to set out a small bowl of powdered sugar right next to my mixing bowl before I start. Having everything in place makes the process so smooth.

Step 2: Cream Vegan Butter & Sugar

Using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat your softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The texture here is super important because it builds the cookie’s foundation.

Step 3: Add Your Flavors

Next, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and your optional yellow food coloring. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully combined. This is where the cookie really starts smelling like sunshine.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients & Incorporate

Stop the mixer and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt all at once. Turn the mixer on low and mix until just combined—don’t overmix or your cookies might turn out tough. I usually turn off the mixer and finish folding gently with a spatula if needed to be extra careful.

Step 5: Shape & Roll in Powdered Sugar

Roll the dough into roughly tablespoon-sized balls. Then, generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step is the secret to that beautiful crinkle effect we love, so don’t be shy with the sugar!

Step 6: Bake Until Edges Are Set

Place your powdered-sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared pans, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes—until the cookie edges are just set. The cookies will look delicate and soft; resist the urge to overbake because they’ll firm up nicely as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed the same day, as the powdered sugar coating starts to melt after that. However, they’ll happily last 3-4 days stored in an airtight container—just a little less photogenic.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature to avoid greasy or grainy dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps these cookies tender; overmixing can make them tough.
Be Generous with Powdered Sugar: Coating dough balls thoroughly creates the iconic crinkle and a pretty contrast.
Watch the Bake Time Closely: Baking even a minute longer can dry out the cookies. Pull them when edges just set and let residual heat finish baking.

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Lemon Crinkle Cookies, Lemon Cookies Recipe, Easy Lemon Cookies, Chewy Lemon Cookies, Zesty Lemon Cookie Recipe - A close-up image shows a woman's hand with orange nail polish holding a lemon cookie with a bite taken out of it, revealing its soft yellow inside. The cookie has a cracked top covered lightly with white powdered sugar. Underneath are more similar cookies stacked on a gold cooling rack. Around the rack are bright yellow lemon halves placed on a white marbled surface, adding fresh color to the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra lemon zest on top of freshly baked cookies for an added burst of citrus aroma. Sometimes, a tiny dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes them feel extra special—kind of like a dusting of morning frost.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of iced lemonade for a double lemon experience. For an extra indulgent touch, I serve them alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a simple berry compote for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, I love stacking these crinkle cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a yellow ribbon—it’s cheerful and inviting! You can also arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of mint to make the lemon theme pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them looking as perfect as when first baked, pop a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They stay tasty for about 3-4 days but do lose that fresh powdered sugar crackle.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I freeze the unbaked dough balls coated in powdered sugar on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver for spontaneous cookie cravings.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes—it brings back softness without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can toughen cookies if you overdo it.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Absolutely! You can swap in regular unsalted butter if you’re not following a vegan diet. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with the sugar.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?

If lemon extract isn’t on hand, don’t sweat it. The fresh lemon zest and juice provide plenty of flavor on their own. The extract just gives an extra lemony boost.
Why do the cookies look soft right out of the oven?

These cookies naturally come out soft and delicate. They firm up as they cool, which is why it’s important not to overbake and to let them rest on the pan for a few minutes before moving them.
Can I make gluten-free Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute an all-purpose gluten-free baking flour blend for regular flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor stays just as bright and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe feels like a little burst of sunshine in every bite. I love how easy they are to whip up yet how impressive they look and taste—perfect for baking on a lazy afternoon or surprising friends and family. If you love that tangy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s both simple and a showstopper, give this recipe a try. I have a feeling it’ll become one of your go-to treats too!