Effortlessly Delicious Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Your New Go-To Cake Mix Recipe
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft, wonderfully buttery, and bursts with bright, tangy lemon flavor, all while practically melting in your mouth. Now imagine making those cookies with just four simple ingredients and in about 20 minutes from start to finish. That’s the magic of these incredible Lemon Crinkle Cookies! They are not just a treat; they’re a revelation for anyone seeking a quick, delightful dessert, and they’ve long been one of our family’s all-time favorite cookie recipes.
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies truly are the cheerful, sunny counterpart to the more traditional chocolate crinkle cookies, and frankly, they give my personal favorite Christmas cookie, Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles, a run for their money! The vibrant, zesty lemon flavor shines through every bite of these soft and chewy cookies. Their characteristic “crinkle” appearance comes from the beautiful contrast of a cheerful yellow cookie dough peeking out from the powdered sugar-covered cracks that form along the outside during baking. It’s a visually appealing cookie that tastes as good as it looks.
Why These Lemon Crinkle Cookies Will Become Your Favorite Easy Dessert
Beyond their incredible taste and ease of preparation, these lemon crinkle cookies offer several compelling reasons to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them incredibly refreshing, especially during warmer months or when you simply crave something bright and uplifting. Their soft, almost cake-like texture ensures they’re never dry or crumbly, providing a truly satisfying chew with every bite. The powdered sugar coating not only contributes to their signature look but also adds an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the lemon.
The Secret Weapon: Cake Mix Cookies for Ultimate Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is that it leverages a simple box of lemon cake mix. This isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a strategic move that guarantees consistent results every time and significantly cuts down on prep time. Cake mix recipes are an absolute game-changer, acting as the best secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal for those moments when time is short, but the craving for homemade baked goods is strong. Whether you have unexpected guests showing up, the kids suddenly remember a school event requiring a treat, or you’ve just realized it’s midnight on a Saturday and you need something for tomorrow’s church potluck (we’ve all been there, right?!), cake mix cookies come to the rescue.
My go-to cake mix desserts for such emergencies also include my delightful Cherry Almond Squares and the effortlessly delicious Caramel Apple Dump Cake. These recipes prove that you don’t need a pantry full of obscure ingredients or hours of dedicated baking time to create something truly special and memorable.
If you’re a lemon fanatic like I am, you’ll also adore these refreshing treats:
- Lemon Cowboy Cookies: A heartier, chewy lemon cookie packed with texture and flavor.
- Lemon Rosemary Cookies: An elegant and surprisingly delicious combination of bright lemon and aromatic rosemary.
- Lemon Sugar Scones: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these scones offer a delightful lemon burst.
- Lemon Meringue Kisses: Light, airy, and intensely lemony, these delicate treats are a true delight.
Gathering Your Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist ingredient list. You only need four items, many of which you might already have on hand, to create a batch of these exquisite Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, is key to achieving that perfectly smooth dough and consistent cookie texture.
You’ll Need:
- A box of lemon cake mix (standard 15.25 ounce package)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar, for rolling)
Baking Made Easy: A Super Simple 3-Step Process
Don’t let the elegant appearance of these cookies fool you; the baking process is incredibly straightforward, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike looking for a quick win. Follow these three simple steps for perfect lemon crinkle cookies every time.
Step 1: Combine the Cake Mix, Butter, and Eggs
In a medium mixing bowl, simply combine your lemon cake mix, softened butter, and eggs. You can use an electric mixer on low speed or mix by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a cohesive dough, not a tough cookie. The dough will be soft but manageable, and its bright yellow hue will already hint at the delicious lemon flavor to come.
Step 2: Roll in Powdered Sugar for the Perfect Crinkle
This step is crucial for achieving that iconic crinkle effect! Roll the cookie dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Using a small cookie scoop can help ensure consistent sizing, which leads to even baking. Once shaped, thoroughly roll each ball of cookie dough in the confectioners’ sugar. Don’t be shy here; a thick coating of powdered sugar is what creates those beautiful white cracks as the cookies expand in the oven, making them look absolutely stunning.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the powdered sugar-coated cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. This spacing ensures they have enough room to spread and crinkle without touching. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the centers still look soft. The key to soft, melt-in-your-mouth crinkle cookies is to avoid overbaking. They will continue to set as they cool.
Tips for Success with Your Lemon Crinkle Cookies
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few pointers can elevate your baking experience and ensure truly phenomenal results every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is truly softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly with the cake mix, creating a more uniform and tender dough.
- Don’t Skimp on Powdered Sugar: The generous coating of confectioners’ sugar is what creates the beautiful crinkled effect. Roll the dough balls thoroughly, making sure they are completely covered. If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Avoid Overbaking: For that signature soft and chewy texture, pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly and look professional.
- Cooling is Key: After removing from the oven, let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Moving them too soon might cause them to fall apart.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce package lemon cake mix
- 1/3 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a sheet pan with a silpat baking liner or parchment paper.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened butter, and 2 eggs. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
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Roll the cookie dough into 1 inch balls (using a cookie scoop for consistency is recommended) and then roll each ball in the powdered sugar, thoroughly coating each cookie.
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Place the coated cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 10-12 minutes.
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After removing from the oven, let the cookies rest 3 minutes on the cookie sheet before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking.
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Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of waxed paper for best results and to prevent sticking.
Notes
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Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once completely cooled, store your Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent the powdered sugar from sticking or absorbing moisture, you can place layers of waxed paper or parchment paper between the cookies. They typically stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. As noted in the recipe, freezing is not recommended for these cookies after baking due to the powdered sugar coating, which can become messy upon thawing.
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat, bring them to a potluck or family gathering for an instant crowd-pleaser, or simply enjoy them as a refreshing dessert after dinner. Their bright flavor makes them especially popular during spring and summer holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day, but their comforting sweetness is welcome any time of year.
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Final Thoughts on These Zesty Lemon Treats
These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can lead to truly exceptional results. Their bright, zesty lemon flavor, combined with a soft, buttery texture and that iconic crinkled appearance, makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick and easy dessert, or a beginner eager to impress, this cake mix cookie recipe is a guaranteed success. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the sunny flavor of these cookies brighten your day!
This recipe was first published on January 19, 2017. It was republished on February 4, 2021, with updated photos, expanded tips, and enhanced details to provide even more value to our readers.