Let me warn you upfront. These lemon crinkle cookies are so yummy and so light that it is hard to eat just one of them. (Light and fluffy, not light in calories – I make no claims about calories.) If you decide to make these delicious bites of sweet lemony goodness, you might as well make two batches. They just don’t last. And they are so easy to make.
I am telling you — make a double batch.
There is something so delightfully cheerful about citrus fruit, especially the lemon. When I was thinking about a sweet treat to make for Mother’s Day I wanted something happy, and I thought of lemons. These cookies are a perfect spring dessert. Give them as a gift or serve them at a party – they look fancy and taste divine, but you can whip them up in less than 20 minutes.
Now, I am not a big cake person. I could eat cookies all day long, but I am happy to leave the cake. So even as I mixed my lemon crinkle cookies, I figured everyone would love them — except me. Boy was I wrong. Apparently, when cakes and cookies come together, I am all in.
Photographing these cookies was so hard. All I wanted to do was eat my props!
Ingredients
- Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
Tip – If you don’t have a silicone baking mat, I highly recommend getting one. It has become my secret weapon for making cookies, chocolates and more. I bought a Silpmat on a whim and it has become my most used baking tool.
Silpat Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat
&
Directions
Mix eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and cake mix in a large bowl.
Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes. (Creates fluffier cookies.)
Roll tablespoon-size balls of dough in powdered sugar.
Enjoy!
If you can manage to part with some of these cookies, these cookies could really brighten someone’s day. Especially when paired with the cute printable tag I created for these cookies.
You can cut the tags out by hand, or for a perfect circle, I use Fiskar’s Extra Large Circle Punch.
I want another cookie now. Just one more cookie…
Easy Lemon Crackle Cookies
Ingredients
- Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
-
Mix eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and cake mix in a large bowl.
-
Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes. (Creates fluffier cookies.)
-
Roll tablespoon size balls of dough in powdered sugar.
-
Coat well and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Bake for 9 minutes at 375 degrees. (Makes 24 cookies.)
More Crinkle Cookies
Red, white and blue crinkle cookies.
Akshita Nanda says
Hey, I could not find the lemon cake mix, can you tell me what I can use as a substitute for it?
jen says
If you want lemon cookies, the lemon cake mix is really the best way to go. But I have made these cookies with white cake mix (http://www.thesuburbanmom.com/2015/06/26/red-white-and-blue-crackle-cookies), so I suppose you could add lemon juice and lemon extract to the white cake mix to get a lemon flavor. But it won’t be the same. There is a link in the post to buy the lemon cake mix on Amazon. It is a bit more than in the store, but these are so good, it is worth it! 🙂
CC says
Online at Amazon (in Canada), the moist lemon cake mixes are $15-$25!! No way am paying that when I know how to dress up a regular lemon cake mix to make it extra moist & lemony.
Can’t wait to try your recipe though
PS: Use coconut milk in any of your cake mix recipes instead of water or milk. The moist-ness will double and it will be light as a feather.
jen says
Goodness! I wouldn’t pay that much either, it is only a couple of dollars here locally. I think dressing up a regular lemon cake sounds perfect. I’ll have to try your coconut milk trick next time!
Joyce says
I bought the package in Canada (Vancouver) and the box was $2.29 CDN
Marlene says
Would love to have a free printable of the Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
jen says
The printable Lemon Crackle Cookies gift tag is in the post. Just click to download the image and you can print it. Enjoy!
Teyla says
Do you know how well these would freeze? I wondered if I could make these ahead of time and freeze them.
jen says
That’s a good question. Honestly, they never last long enough in my house to test it! LOL. But considering that they are cake batter, I would imagine they would freeze nicely. The only downside, the powdered sugar might not look as pretty when it defrosts. The more I think about it, I am picturing the powdered sugar being too absorbed into the cookie from freezing. I am really just not sure. But they are a quick cookie to whip up 🙂 Sorry I am not more help.
Carol Mayle says
My dough is way too soft to form into balls. What’s the best way to deal with this?
Carol Mayle says
My dough is way too soft to roll into balls. How do I deal with this?
jen says
Did you refrigerate the dough for at least 30 mins? It is a very sticky dough, if you look at the picture you can see how sticky the dough is. When I “ball” it, it is more like dropping blobs into the sugar. Coating it with sugar helps it to not be sticky, and then I can form nicer balls. I hope this helps and your cookies turn out yummy!
Carol says
I ended up doing what you suggested, but after refrigerating the dough, I put it in the freezer for 10 minutes. After that, I was able to handle the “blobs” using two spoons in the sugar. The cookies are fantastic!!! I am making them again tonight to bring to a party tomorrow night. I thank you and my friends thank you!
Joyce says
I put it in the freezer for 1/2 hour to 25 mins to be able handle
Kate says
The dough is very sticky even after refrigeration. I used my small cookie scoop and dropped into the powdered sugar and then was able to form the balls.
Jennie B says
Had the same concern about the soft sticky dough but after looking at the picture decided to try it. Once in the powdered sugar, it worked just fine.
This recipe makes WAY more than 24 cookies though. I doubled the batch as you suggested and used tablespoon sized drops. My first batch of 24 is in the over now and I’ve got at least 2/3 of the dough left! Better too many than too little…
Joyce says
Bake time is too short….I increased it to about 18 mins. Maybe my cookie size was larger.
Chris says
I found that one recipe equals one serving lol. These are sinfully good!
Nancy says
It would really help if all the recipes were printable.
jen says
Hi Nancy – I am sorry, it looks like my printable plugin wasn’t working on that recipe for some reason. It has been fixed now. I appreciate the heads up so I could fix it for future bakers 🙂
Nancy says
It was nice to get your reply to my email. I made the Lemon Crinkle cookies today…love them. You are right, so cute. I’m giving them as a gift tonight. I’m hoping I’m surbscribed to you. Thanks, Nancy
Nancy says
By the way, I forgot to mention a while ago that my sister froze these lemon cookies and said they were great, no problem.
Nancy says
I forgot to mention a while ago someone asked if these could be frozen..My sister froze hers and said they were great, no
Problem.
Myka J says
Do these need to be cooled on a cooling rack after baking?
jen says
They need to sit on the cookie sheet for a bit first, if you try to move them right away they will crumble. But yes, I typically move all of my cookies to a cooling rack eventually so I can back another batch. LOL. But def let them cool for a good 5-10 mins first.
Amanda says
Great recipe. ..
Luise says
These don’t keep very well in the freezer. They get hard and loose their flavour. 😣
jen says
Sorry to hear that. We’ve never had a batch last long enough to freeze 😉 You’ll have to make a fresh batch again sometime… yum!
Pamela Garcia says
Just made these tonight with a variety of cookies for my boys . This is such an easy recipe it’s hard to go wrong!! They taste so good and you are right…they are addictive as heck!! Thanks fora great lil recipe!!
jen says
Right?! Something about the lemon flavor, I cannot stop eating them when I make them. 😉 Glad you enjoyed!
Pamela garcia says
Just made these tonight. Yum!!! You are right, they are addictive!! Great lil recipe…thanks so much!
Lana Meadows says
My cookies stayed in a ball. What did I do wrong? They cooked but never spread out. I had just fixed a different recipe and they did they same thing. Hope you can help!
Jennifer says
Disappointing! I usually make homemade chocolate crinkles but I have two small babies and wanted to try something faster and lemony for a change. These came out basically like cake bites, fluffy and dry. Crinkles should have the consistency of a brownie, not a cake. They should be dense and gooey. Maybe one less egg would have been better?
jen says
I am not sure why you had trouble, mine always turn out very gooey. (The gooey is my favorite part!)
Letizia Tripp says
these cookies are delicious , I them for Christmas together with other cookies ,. gave them as gifts and everybody loved them , they are also my favorite lemon cookies
jen says
So glad everyone loved them, they are my family’s favorite too!!!
Mazza B says
Jen, do you know of a brand of cake mix av ailable in the land dowunder – Australai that could be used in your recipe?
Thank you for taking the time to reply to corresopndents by answering their queires. Much appreciated as many web pages
a) do not have the ability to comments much less take the time to reply.
Agan thank you and hope you can assist me in my query. Mazza
jen says
Hi Mazza – Unfortunately, I have never been lucky enough to visit Australia. (Someday, I hope!) So I am not much help in finding a specific cake mix there. I would think you could substitute whatever brand of lemon cake you have available. I like this brand because it is super moist, so I would look for something similar. Sorry I am not more help! Good luck, and let me know if you are able to find something that works!
Dona Moore says
I made several batches of these cookies as part of my Christmas Cookie & Candy presents. My family and our First Responders really look forward to these boxes. They contain the old recipes of favorites and always a couple of new things. These Lemon Crackle Cookies were a huge hit! I have made about a dozen special request batches since Christmas, folks really love them, lol so do I. Thank you for sharing.
jen says
Hi Dona – Thanks for letting me know how much your family enjoyed them. You made my day!!!
Flavia says
I made these last night. They where delish but like Jennifer said they were not gooey. What do you suggest? Maybe one less egg like Jennifer ? Wish I could put a pic of w y came out.
Flavia says
I made these last night. They where delish but like Jennifer said they were not gooey. What do you suggest? Maybe one less egg like Jennifer ? Wish I could put a pic of how they came out.
Lenda Marshall says
Oh my gosh! I just made these, and they are wonderful! My grandson likes lemon, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to love these cookies. They are sauper easy to make, very moist and lemony. I’m going to have to double the recipe next time because I use a larger scoop.
Liza says
I am a gluten free person, where can I find the gluten free lemon cake mix? To be able to Make those cookies?
Carmin says
Made these for a function; they were a huge hit. Dough was very sticky. I used 2 spoons to scoop, drop and roll into powered sugar then used the spoon to also transfer to the baking sheet. I needed to bake for 12 minutes; anything less was undercooked.
Debbie says
My new favorite cookie. Sooo easy and delicious. My 12 year old called them heaven in a cookie. Thank you kindly for sharing your recipe!
Jawana Kirkpatrick says
How much lemon zest and how much lemon juice are you suppose to add to the recipe?
jen says
Hi, you should use the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of 1 lemon 🙂
Julie says
The batter smells so delicious Andy the cookies tasted even better😀
Amy says
I made these cookies and they were fabulous!! I make an orange cookie like this but put a confectioners sugar orange icing on it…wondering how that would be with those lemon crinkles….with lemon icing 😲
Zena says
I dont have any lemons so can I use lemon flavor?
Dale says
These were very easy cookie to make and delicious soft light wonderful taste .
dane jensen says
Hi Jen what oil is best to use for these lemon crinkle cookies?, would sunflower oil be ok?…Dane.
jen says
I have not used sunflower oil, so I don’t really know how it compares. I use standard vegetable oil. If you try sunflower oil, I would love to know how it turns out!
Angie says
Can you make these cookies ahead and keep frozen for a couple weeks?
jen says
I am really not sure. They don’t last weeks in our hose. When I make them, we eat them in days 🙂 Sorry.
Earlene williams says
Hi i’m getting ready to make your cookies and i’m wondering do I mix the cake mix up from the box and then add your ingredients or follow your recipe exact? Thank you,
Earlene
jen says
Hi Earlene – If you want to make the lemon crackle cookies, please follow the recipe as I have written it.
Christine says
What is the best way to store these so that the stay fresh. I’m going to use them in a few days and don’t want them to dry out or get soggy.
I used lemon flavored olive oil instead of vegetable oil and they’re so good.
Kristina says
I followed your recipe exactly and the cookies came out perfectly delicious, thank you for sharing such an easy to follow recipe! Im planning on bringing a tray of these over to our family easter gathering!
jen says
I am so glad you liked them as much as we do! YUM!
Ciera says
Hello! I have made these once and absolutely loved them but recently have moved to area with high altitude and have experienced the interesting change in cooking and baking in high altitude. What would you suggest with making these?
Thank you!
Peg says
I made gear and my goodness! Yummy! They taste like fresh lemonade!! Such a great lemony treat!!
For the people who asked about freezing them and having problems with them being dry, try putting them in an air tight container with a piece or two of white bread for a couple of hours or so. The moisture transfers to the cookies. I’ve had great luck with this trick.
Peg says
I made these that comment should have read. I was sure I proofread my comment. 😕
Lynda O'Hara says
The recipe was delightful and easy to make. The cookies came out just like the photo. I used a small scoop to get even amount of dough for each cookie. Thanks for a great and easy recipe !!
Ethel says
Made these cookies last night for a baking sale at my daughter’s school. Recipe was super easy to follow and it makes 24 cookies as described. I had to adjust the cooking time to 15 min but other that, really delicious cookies. Thanks for sharing and I love your printable. Makes such nice packages!!
jen says
Yeay! So glad it was a success!
Tara says
I made these last year and they were a hit! I was wondering if I made a big batch this year if I could scoop the dough balls and freeze the uncooked dough balls, would that affect anything?
Jessica Lynn Edwards says
Hi Tara, do you remember if you ended up freezing these while uncooked? How did they turn out?
Dawn Weber says
I made these for My New Years Eve party, omg they were a HIT! So much so I didn’t have a chance to take a picture! I will say while making I had an unexpected visitor, so I threw the dough (as recommended in the fridge, thinking the visitor would be gone in 10 minutes! They stayed for over 30 minutes. Lol I had no problem with the dough! ) Also, I used a small bowl, plopped the dough in and shook it, made a perfect little ball and not so much mess! My Guest loved the cookies, So much so they are all getting a batch for their birthdays! Thank you for sharing! Huge hit and ohhh so easy!
Deborah Hoban says
If you use the silicon mat, do you have to use the parchment paper as well?
jen says
No, you do not. That’s why I LOVE silicone mats, less waste! I use them for everything.
Jacki Whitehead says
These are one of my most requested cookies! And I make a lot of cookies! I’m embarrassed to say how easy they are to make! But, you were right……one batch is never enuf!!
jen says
I love that they are so popular with your friends/family!!!!
Jeanna says
These are my new favorite cookies. So easy to make and you are right, one batch is never enough. I added a little icing, made with powdered sugar & lemon juice, drizzled on top. It made them more addictive.
Nancy Perkins says
Oh, my goodness! I just have to thank you for sharing this cookie recipe. Making these for the Christmas cookie boxes I am making, and they are amazing! Taking your advice on making a double batch, which the second batch is in the fridge as we speak. These are that good! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
jen says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!!
Nancy Perkins says
I just wanted to say thank you for such a delicious and beautiful cookie recipe. I made these last Christmas as an addition for my cookie and fudge gift boxes and bags, and everyone loved them, and I found myself eating more than my share of cookies while making them! They are a keeper, and I will be adding these once again to the gift boxes! Merry Christmas!!!!
Patti says
Just made these & used a Meyer lemon from my tree! They are so dang delicious, & easy! Mine did not look like the picture, as the dough was quite moist, but the taste is what counts! 👍🏻♥️ I had some lemon zest sugar left from lemon drop martinis, so rolled some of the dough in that! Yum!
Juli says
Found it helpful to keep dough in the refrigerator between baking of cookies.