Name: Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 box Lemon cake mix ((typically 15.25 ounces)); 1 tub Cool Whip ((8 oz, thawed)); 1 large Egg; 0.5 cup Powdered sugar ((for rolling, adjust to taste))

Jump to Recipe

Bright, zesty, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate treat for citrus lovers and anyone who needs a little sunshine in their day. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that’s tangy on the outside, sweet on the inside, and never fails to bring a smile to your face. That’s the magic you’ll find here! These cookies first caught my heart at a summer family picnic, where their cheerful look and sweet aroma made them vanish in minutes.

What makes these cookies extra special is just how easy they are to prepare—only a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour separates you from a tray of lemony goodness. If you’ve enjoyed my Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you’ll quickly see why Lemon Crinkle Cookies have their own special charm—they’re just as easy, but with a fresh, tangy twist. These cookies are all about sharing joy, and I promise, once you bake a batch, you’ll want to make them again and again!

What is Lemon Crinkle Cookies?

What’s with the funny name, Lemon Crinkle Cookies? Well, let’s just say these cookies are dressed to impress, flaunting their crackly, powdered sugar “crinkles” like runway models! Ever wondered why some cookies get all wrinkled up while baking? That’s the sweet magic of dough and sugar meeting in a warm oven. Legend has it someone thought cookies should look as fun as they taste, and the classic saying—the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—never rings truer when you see the faces light up at first bite. These golden treats are the delicious proof! Curious yet? Go on, give them a try and see what all the crinkle is about.

Why You’ll Love This

There’s so much to adore about Lemon Crinkle Cookies! First, every bite is packed with that signature tart-lemon zing and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture—they’re truly the highlight of any cookie tray. Second, making these at home is super budget-friendly, especially compared to fancy bakery cookies. You won’t believe these come together from just cake mix, Cool Whip, and one egg!

Finally, rolling them in powdered sugar gives them their signature sweet crunch and beautiful crackled finish, setting them apart from any other cookie (and, dare I say, even giving classic sugar cookies a run for their money!). If you love my Soft Lemon Bars, you’ll absolutely fall for the playful texture and bold flavor of these cookies. Ready to surprise family and friends with a new favorite? Start baking now!

How to Make Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Quick Overview

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the champion of easy baking: just four ingredients, one bowl, and no fuss. Their soft centers and delightfully crisp edges come together in just about 20 minutes (prep and bake time included!). The real star is that sunshine-bright lemon flavor, perfectly balanced by a dusting of powdered sugar that creates lovely, crinkled tops on every cookie. No experience needed—just mix, roll, and bake for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Stack of lemon crinkle cookies with powdered sugar crinkles on a white plate

Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix (typically 15.25 ounces)
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (thawed)
1 large egg
½ to 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Stir until fully blended into a thick, sticky dough.
Form the cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion dough into 1-tablespoon balls, then drop each one into the sugar.
Coat in sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully covered.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops have crinkled. Do not overbake!
Cool and serve: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy once cooled!

What to Serve Lemon Crinkle Cookies With

These cookies are delightfully versatile! Pair with:

A glass of cold milk
Hot tea (Earl Grey or chamomile work beautifully)
Sparkling lemonade for even more citrusy goodness
Fresh fruit or a lemon yogurt parfait for brunch
Chocolate crinkle cookies or Almond Biscotti for a cookie tray with variety

Perfect for dessert platters, spring gatherings, or even gifting in pretty tins!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Sticky dough? Chill it for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Need a Cool Whip substitute? Any non-dairy whipped topping will do in a pinch.
Want more lemon flavor? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
Make it gluten-free with a gluten-free lemon cake mix—texture and taste still shine.
Don’t skimp on powdered sugar—a thick coat creates the best crinkle effect.
Soft centers are key: Slight underbaking gives you that chewy interior we all love.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerated: Keeps fresh up to 1 week—just let cookies sit at room temp before serving.
Freezing dough: Roll dough balls in sugar, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip bag. Bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
Reheating: Microwave for 8–10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel, or warm on a baking sheet at 300°F for 3–4 minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Chill the dough or lightly grease your hands with oil before rolling.

Can I use a homemade cake mix?
Yes! Just ensure it measures about 15–16 oz. and has bright lemon flavor.

No Cool Whip?
Use another whipped topping or a stabilized homemade whipped cream.

Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies or dough balls—both work great.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
This usually happens if the dough was too warm or lightly sugared. Chill dough and roll generously in sugar for the best results.

Conclusion

Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the easiest way to deliver a burst of sunshine and happiness any day of the year. With their tangy flavor, soft centers, and signature crackly tops, they’re always a hit—whether you’re baking with family, hosting friends, or just craving something sweet and simple.

With just four ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can bake these bakery-worthy treats at home, saving time and money while treating yourself and loved ones. So grab your mixing bowl, zest up your routine, and delight in every lemony bite—these cookies are destined to become a new family favorite!