Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of sunny days, look no further than these Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies. Bursting with bright lemon flavor and boasting a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are quick to make and even quicker to disappear! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies are not just a one-time bake; they’re a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. The combination of lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding gives these cookies a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. They’re incredibly simple to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, their vibrant yellow color and powdered sugar coating make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Once you take a bite of these zesty cookies, you’ll be hooked!
What to Buy
To make these Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 box instant lemon pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor!
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy in your recipe.
- Whisk: Great for mixing the wet ingredients together.
- Baking sheet: A flat surface for baking your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning your cookie dough evenly.
Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Cooking Guide
Creating these delicious cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a snap.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add the box of lemon cake mix and the box of instant lemon pudding mix. Stir until all the ingredients are combined and a dough forms. The dough might be sticky, which is perfectly fine!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
For best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Scoop and Roll
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and then roll the ball in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Seasonal Serving Ideas
These cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve them at summer picnics alongside refreshing lemonade.
- Include them on a dessert table for a bridal or baby shower.
- Pair them with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Wrap them as gifts for friends during the holiday season.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Baking can sometimes be tricky, but here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause the cookies to spread too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Underbaking: Make sure to bake until the edges are golden; the centers should look slightly underdone.
Save It for Later
If you want to come back to this recipe later, here are a few ideas:
- Bookmark this page for easy access in the future.
- Share it with friends who love lemon-flavored treats.
- Print the recipe and keep it in your recipe binder.
- Take a photo of the recipe on your phone for quick reference while baking.
Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies Q&A
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon is delicious, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or almond for a different twist.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for vegetable oil.
Next Up in Your Queue
As you explore more delicious recipes, consider trying these:
Wrap-Up
Baking these Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating moments of joy with every bite. The bright flavor of lemon combined with the light, chewy texture makes these cookies a star treat. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for a delightful experience that will have you saying, “I’ll make these again!”
So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of lemony goodness with these Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with friends and family!
Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a snap.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well combined.
- To the wet mixture, add the box of lemon cake mix and the box of instant lemon pudding mix. Stir until all the ingredients are combined and a dough forms. The dough might be sticky, which is perfectly fine!
- For best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and then roll the ball in confectioners' sugar until fully coated.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Notes
- Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
