Lemon Crinkle Cookies | Soft, Zesty, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth

These lemon cookies are light, fragrant, and just the right amount of sweet. Soft inside with a slightly crisp sugar-coated exterior, they’re the perfect treat with a coffee or tea — and they bring sunshine to every bite.

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About This Dish

Lemon crinkle cookies are a delicate Italian-inspired dessert that bursts with citrus flavor. Their unique texture — soft and airy inside, coated in powdered sugar outside — makes them a favorite for holidays, tea time, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day.

Ingredients (Makes Approx. 40 Cookies)

All-Purpose Flour (00):	200 g (≈ 1 ½ cups)
Almond Meal:	100 g (≈ 1 cup)
Sugar:	100 g (≈ ½ cup) + 3 tbsp extra for rolling
Butter (soft):	100 g (≈ 7 tbsp) or 90 ml vegetable oil
Lemon Zest:	From 2 lemons
Lemon Juice:	From 1 lemon (≈ 2 tbsp)
Egg:	1 large
Baking Powder:	1 tsp
Vanilla:	Powder, extract, or bean
Icing Sugar:	150 g (≈ 1 ½ cups) for coating

How to Make It

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 27 mins

Step 1: In a bowl, mix butter (or oil) with sugar until creamy. Add egg, lemon zest, and juice. Mix well.
Step 2: Combine flour, almond meal, baking powder, and vanilla. Gradually incorporate into the wet mix to form a soft dough.
Step 3: Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
Step 4: Roll small balls (about 20 g each). Coat first in sugar, then in icing sugar.
Step 5: Arrange on a lined baking tray. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and crinkled.
Step 6: Cool on a rack and enjoy!

Tucci’s Tips

Chill the dough for better shape and less spreading during baking.

Double coat in icing sugar for that perfect crinkle effect.

Add a pinch of salt to enhance the lemon flavor.

Variations

Lime Twist: Swap lemon for lime for a tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free baking mix.
Extra Citrus: Add orange zest for a mixed citrus aroma.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: Crinkle cookies became popular in Europe during the 19th century and were later embraced in Italy with citrus flavors.

Fun Fact: The “crinkle” effect comes from the dough expanding under the sugar coating while baking!

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Storage & Thank You

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Can it be frozen? Yes — freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months, then bake straight from frozen.

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