Description
These Citrus Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of bright citrus flavor. Made with lemon, lime, or orange zest and juice, they’re coated in confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful crinkled finish. Perfect for holidays or any time you crave a refreshing, tangy-sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons finely grated citrus zest (lemon, lime, or orange)
- 3 tablespoons citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange)
- 4 to 6 drops yellow, green, or orange gel food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, citrus zest, juice, and food coloring; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place remaining granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar in separate bowls.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Coat first in granulated sugar, then generously in confectioners’ sugar.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets and chill for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, until the tops crack and edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to help cookies crinkle properly during baking.
- For stronger flavor, add extra zest or a few drops of citrus extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Try mixing different citrus fruits for a custom flavor blend.
- Prep Time: 2 hrs 40 mins (including chilling)
- Cook Time: 16 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Citrus Crinkle Cookies, lemon cookies, lime cookies, orange cookies, soft cookies, citrus dessert, chewy crinkle cookies