Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie bursting with bright citrus flavor, dusted in a snowy layer of powdered sugar that crinkles beautifully as it bakes. That’s exactly what you get with these Lemon Crinkle Cookies—a simple yet show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a quick mix-and-bake process, these cookies are a sunny solution for any sweet tooth or last-minute gathering. Prepare to fall in love with their zingy taste, irresistible texture, and eye-catching appearance!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Lemon Crinkle Cookies is how approachable the ingredients are. Each component is chosen to enhance the sunny lemon flavor, deliver a soft, tender crumb, and create those signature crinkles. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Lemon cake mix (15.25 oz): Your shortcut to big lemon flavor and perfectly soft cookie texture every single time.
Large eggs (2): These bind your dough together and add just the right amount of richness.
Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and tender for days, never dry or crumbly.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Amplifies the citrus tang and cuts through the sweetness with fresh, lively notes.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): This is where the real lemon magic happens—zest gives pure, aromatic flavor you can’t skip!
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Creates the iconic crackled finish and light sweetness on the outside.

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect bottoms. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Stir everything together until a thick, fragrant dough forms—don’t worry if it looks sticky, that’s exactly what you want for soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Step 2: Shape and Coat

Now comes the fun part! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls using your hands (a little oil on your palms works wonders if things get sticky). Drop each dough ball into a bowl of powdered sugar and roll it around until completely coated—be generous with the sugar, as it’s the secret to those beautiful crinkles.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place each sugar-coated dough ball on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between them. These cookies do spread out a bit as they bake, and spacing them allows every Lemon Crinkle Cookie to develop its own gorgeous crackled top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes. The secret? Don’t overbake! The cookies should look set at the edges but still soft and crinkly on top. This is where that signature tender, pillowy texture comes from.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting up without losing their lovely softness. Once cool, admire your beautiful Lemon Crinkle Cookies—they’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to take your Lemon Crinkle Cookies to the next level, try a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of additional lemon zest on top. The pop of yellow makes them even more inviting!

Side Dishes

These cookies are a match made in heaven with a cup of hot tea—something floral or herbal is especially nice. For a refreshing twist, serve them with chilled lemonade or a simple fruit salad to echo their citrusy personality. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, they pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Lemon Crinkle Cookies in a pretty box lined with parchment for a charming homemade gift. For parties, pile them high on a bright cake stand or arrange in concentric circles on a platter. Want to wow guests? Stack them between layers of whipped cream for a playful, deconstructed “cake.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly soft for up to 4 days, and the flavor deepens with time. If you’re planning ahead for an event, these cookies keep their charm surprisingly well!

Freezing

You can freeze Lemon Crinkle Cookies baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag. For unbaked dough, freeze balls before rolling in powdered sugar, then coat and bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If you love a warm treat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or let thaw at room temperature. The cookies soften up beautifully and taste freshly baked, with that sunshine-bright lemon flavor shining through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely—while the lemon flavor is what makes Lemon Crinkle Cookies special, you can swap in a vanilla, strawberry, or even orange cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the bake time and flavor intensity!

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required, which is part of what makes this recipe such a weeknight winner. However, if you want extra thick cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix at your grocery store and prepare as directed. The results are just as wonderfully soft and zesty—the only difference is everyone can enjoy them.

How do I get the best “crinkle” effect?

Generously coating each dough ball in powdered sugar is the key. Don’t be shy! Roll them well, and don’t shake off the excess. The more powdered sugar, the bolder the cracks and crinkles upon baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales up beautifully, so go ahead and double (or even triple) if you’re baking for a crowd. Just bake in batches and watch for that set-but-soft texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s bright, cheerful, and ridiculously easy to whip up, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are about to become your new go-to. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute gathering or just want something sweet and sunny at home, these cookies won’t disappoint. Grab your ingredients and bring a burst of lemony joy to your kitchen today!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these easy-to-make cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Coating:

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until a thick dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Bake: Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.