If you’re on the hunt for a sunny, crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in no time, Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are about to be your new go-to. These cookies bring together lemon’s bright, zesty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, all with the cozy look of powdered sugar crinkles. You won’t believe how simple and delicious they are, whether you’re baking with kids, impressing at a potluck, or just indulging your own sweet tooth. Their vibrant aroma, golden centers, and pretty crackled tops are absolutely irresistible!

Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, yet every ingredient has its role in building the classic flavor and texture of Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Each component works together to give you that burst of fresh, tangy sweetness and signature crackled appearance.

Lemon Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut for tender, bakery-style cookies packed with real lemon flavor, plus it takes care of your dry ingredients in one swoop.
Eggs: Act as a rich binder, adding great structure and a chewy bite to every cookie.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies perfectly moist and soft, even days after baking.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Reinforces that vivid lemony zing, making each cookie taste homemade rather than out-of-the-box.
Lemon Zest: Packs a punch of citrus aroma and extra brightness for truly standout cookies.
Powdered Sugar: Provides the signature “crinkle” finish — don’t be shy with it, as it creates that iconic snowy look.

How to Make Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze — no sticky edges or stuck-on bottoms to fret over! Having everything set up before you mix means you can move quickly once the dough is ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. You’ll notice the dough brightens instantly and smells incredible, thanks to that fresh zest and juice. It should be thick but easy to scoop — if it seems a little sticky, that’s totally normal!

Step 3: Shape and Powder

Add the powdered sugar to a shallow bowl. Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them between your palms to form smooth balls, and generously coat each ball in the powdered sugar. Don’t skimp — more is more when it comes to that signature crinkle effect!

Step 4: Bake

Arrange your sugared dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops are cracked but the centers are still soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake if you want that perfect chewy texture we all adore in Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’re fragile when hot, and this makes them easier to transfer). Then, move them gently to a wire rack to finish cooling. The crinkles will become even more defined as they rest, and the aroma will be simply irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra pop of citrus, sprinkle the finished cookies lightly with more lemon zest just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a tiny sprig of mint can make each cookie look party-ready and deliciously fresh.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with something cool and creamy — a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet really highlights their brightness. They’re also perfect with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for that nostalgic, after-school-snack comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies on a sunny platter with fresh lemon slices for a color pop, or stack them tall in a glass jar for gift-giving. You can sandwich them with a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for a fun twist, or tuck them into lunchboxes in decorative paper wrappers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days — though, in my experience, they disappear much faster than that! For extra insurance, tuck a slice of plain bread into the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place the completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to three months, and simply let them thaw at room temperature when you’re craving a sweet, citrusy treat.

Reheating

If you like your crinkle cookies a little warm, just pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for two to three minutes or give them 10 seconds in the microwave. This refreshes their softness and brings that lovely lemon scent wafting back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies shine with their zippy lemon flavor, feel free to experiment with other cake mix varieties, like strawberry or vanilla, for creative new twists.

What type Dessert

Any fresh lemon will work, but Meyer lemons are especially fragrant and sweet if you can find them. Always use fresh, not bottled, juice for the brightest flavor.

Can I add extras like white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can fold in up to half a cup of white chocolate chips or even chopped nuts for a bit of texture. Just add them after the dough’s fully mixed for best distribution.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are ready when the tops are crackled and the edges are set, but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, so trust the timer and your eyes!

Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is not required for Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies, but if your dough feels too sticky, a quick 20-minute stint in the fridge can make it much easier to handle and roll.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about turning a handful of simple ingredients into a batch of Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies that disappear in a flash. Their sunshine-bright flavor and gorgeous crinkled tops will bring a smile to anyone who grabs a bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try — I promise it’s every bit as satisfying as it is easy, and I can’t wait for it to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

These Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of citrusy flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

1 box (15.25 ounces) lemon cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Rolling:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Roll the Cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.
Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.