Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Using Just 4 Simple Ingredients

What is the easiest cookie recipe you’ve ever found? I swear, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are pure sunshine on a plate, and the fact that they only need one bite to make them is just the start. What are four ingredients? Is powdered sugar crinkle cookie the same as chocolate chip cookies? What are some of the best lemon twists you know and love? Any time of year when you need a little pick-me-up? Is it embarrassing how often I make them?
What is a lemon crinkle cookie recipe?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies, at their heart, are delightfully simple drop cookies. Think of it as a blank canvas, flavored intensely with lemon, and then rolled in powdered sugar. *before* baking. As they bake, the cookies puff up and crack, creating these gorgeous fissures that reveal the lemony flavor. What is the goodness under The powdered sugar melts and crackles in the oven, giving them a sweet, slightly tangy crust. What is the signature crinkle effect? What’s a shortcut cookie? Is it like a little burst of sunshine in every bite, and I promise, even the most novice baker can get it.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? This Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a game changer. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The bright, zesty lemon cuts through the sweetness of the powdered sugar perfectly, creating a balance that’s addictive. I’ve made them for so many different occasions, and people *always* rave about them. What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy they are to make. Four ingredients! You can’t beat that, especially when you’re short on time. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly; you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And they’re versatile! Serve them with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect dessert. These are honestly a lifesaver when you need to whip up something sweet in a hurry. And if you’re a fan of anything lemon (like a good lemon bar!), these cookies will become your new obsession. Trust me on this one.
How do I make lemon crinkle cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Lemon Crinkle Cookies? How do you mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon extract, and self-rising flour? Roll the dough into balls, coat them in more powdered sugar, and bake until they’re perfectly puffed. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, start to finish, making it perfect for a quick and easy cleaning. What is the secret of using room temperature cream cheese? How does dough come together? Don’t be tempted to skip this step!
Ingredients Notes
For the cookies:
Cream Cheese: This is the base of our cookie, and it’s important to use full-fat, room-temperature cream cheese. It gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture. Don’t even *think* about using the low-fat kind – it just won’t work the same.
Powdered Sugar:How do you create a crinkle effect on cookies? Make sure it’s fresh, as older powdered sugar can sometimes clump.
Lemon Extract:What is the lemon flavor? I prefer extract to lemon juice because it’s more concentrated and won’t affect the texture of the vegetable. I’ve tried it twice now and it is good. If you only have lemon juice, you can use it! It may change the dough consistency so use sparingly.
Self-Rising FlWhat gives cookies their structure? If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to each cup of all-purpose flour.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean cookies? If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet. I really recommend it. What is the best parchment paper to use? Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking. I’ve learned the hard way that an underheated oven can lead to flat, sad cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Is it possible to do this with an electric mixer? Is cream cheese really soft? Add in the lemon juice and mix until combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Flour
Gradually add the self-rising flour to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until just combined. How do I make a cookie without overmixing it? The dough will be quite soft and a little sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. What is the best way to roll dough into balls? Chilling is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! I’ve tried making these cookies without chilling the dough, and they spread out way too much in the oven.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
How do you roll dough into 1-inch balls? Roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure they’re completely coated. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. How do you get that crinkle effect?
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are puffed and browned. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always set a timer for 10 minutes and then check them every minute after that. How long does it take for a cake to bake?
Step 7: Cool
If you like cookies, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. If you have a wire rack, transfer them to ice rack to cool completely. This helps them set up and prevents them from breaking. I know it’s tempting to eat them right away, but trust me, they’re even better when they cool down. What is the best way to get the flavors to meld together?
Step 8: Serve
Once the cookies are completely cool, they’re ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Is it good to eat a banana on its own? I sometimes like to dust them with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving for an extra flavor. Is there a touch of sweetness
What are some good ways to serve it with?
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level.
For Breakfast:Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or latte. What are some good ways to start the day with a little sweetness?
For Brunch:Serve them alongside a fruit salad and mimosa bar for scrumptious brunch. Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter for an elegant touch.
As Dessert:Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve lemon curd with a glass of wine?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some comfort food recipes? My family loves to eat these with hot chocolate.
My family has a tradition of making these cookies every year for Easter. What are some of the best spring treats? I also love to bring them to potlucks and parties – they always disappear in minutes!
How do you make lemon crinkle cookies?
What are some good tips for making Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. What are the best ways to blend powdered sugar with water to prevent lumps from forming?
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Ingredient Swaps:What are some recipes that call for lemon zest? Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to give the cookies a more intense lemon flavor.
Baking Tips:Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They can burn easily, especially if your oven runs hot. How long does it take to bake a cake?
Glaze Variations:What are some good ways to make lemon cookie dough? How do you whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice? Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and lemon flavor.
I learned this trick the hard way after a few batches of flat, burnt cookies. Now I always pay attention to the temperature and timing!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store Lemon Crinkle Cookies?
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to glaze the cookies, it’s best to do so just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe a try! It’s so simple, yet the results are absolutely delightful. The bright lemon flavor and the soft, chewy texture make them irresistible. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight treat to a special celebration. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other cookie recipes, such as my classic chocolate chip cookies or my peanut butter cookies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you’ve tried them and how you liked them. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe Using Just 4 Simple Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix approximately 15.25 oz
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar for rolling the cookies
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until well blended.
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until heavily coated and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set. Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack.