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    Lemon Crinkle Cookies (GF)

    Published: May 5, 2020 · Modified: Mar 29, 2024 · by Renana · I may get commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Home » Recipes » Cookies » Lemon Crinkle Cookies (GF)

    Welcome to a delightful journey of flavor with my Crinkle Lemon Cookies! Bursting with the zesty freshness of lemon and the rich nuttiness of almond meal, these cookies are a true testament to the magic that can happen in a kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these heavenly treats that are perfect for any occasion.

    lemon crinkle cookies on a plate

    Easy lemon cookies

    I made these delicious lemony crinkle cookies. The recipe is so simple and it also happens to be gluten-free! Win-win.

    With only 5 ingredients, you can whip these cookies up in a short time and indulge in this lemony sweet treat. The cookies are parve (non-dairy) and are a great fit for your Shabbat dessert too.

    The main ingredient in these cookies is an almond meal (ground almonds). Combined with sugar, zest of lemon, and egg whites, you get the batter for the cookies. In order to get crinkles on the cookies, you roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Very simple to make and a very tasty outcome. The baking time is short, just like most of my cookie recipes, and you need to let the cookies cool a bit before munching.

    You might wonder how there is so little liquid in the recipe but the 2 egg whites are enough to unify the batter and you don’t need to add any additional liquids.

    These cookies are perfect for Passover too because they are gluten-free and the lemon-fresh taste is perfect for spring.

    Recipe yields approximately 30 cookies depending on the size you make them.

    cookies on tray before baking

    Tips to ensure your cookies turn out irresistibly delicious:

    Fresh Ingredients

    Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Ensure your almond meal is blanched and finely ground, and use fresh lemons for the zest.

    Accurate Measurements

    Precision matters in baking. Use accurate measuring cups for dry ingredients like almond meal and sugar. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures.

    Zesting Lemons

    When zesting the lemon, be careful not to include the bitter white pith. Use a fine grater or a microplane to get just the outer, flavorful layer of the lemon peel.

    Room Temperature Eggs

    Allow your egg whites to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the batter. Room temperature eggs mix more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.

    Mixing the Batter

    Mix the sugar, almond meal, lemon zest, and egg whites until you achieve a unified batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

    Wet Hands for Rolling

    Wet your hands slightly when rolling the cookie dough into balls. This helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, making the rolling process easier.

    Evenly Coated in Powdered Sugar

    Roll each cookie ball generously in powdered sugar to achieve that classic crinkle appearance. Ensure each cookie is evenly coated for a consistent look and taste.

    Cooling Process

    Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature before indulging. This helps them set and develop their final texture and flavor.

    Storage

    To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you're not consuming them all at once, you can freeze the cookies for longer shelf life.

    cookies coated with powdered sugar before baking

    FAQS

    Can I use regular flour instead of almond meal in this recipe?

    While almond meal provides a unique texture and flavor to these cookies, you can experiment with using all-purpose flour as a substitute. Keep in mind that the results may differ in terms of taste and texture.

    Can I use pre-packaged lemon zest instead of fresh lemons?

    Fresh lemon zest is recommended for the best flavor. Pre-packaged zest may not provide the same level of freshness and citrusy aroma.

    Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

    Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a sealed container or bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and coat in powdered sugar before baking.

    How do I store the baked cookies?

    Store the baked Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a piece of bread to the container can help keep the cookies soft.

    Can I use a different type of sugar?

    The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can experiment with other sugars like coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this may alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

    Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. You can also bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container.

    My cookies are not crinkling as expected. What went wrong?

    The crinkle effect is achieved through the interaction of the cookie dough and the powdered sugar coating during baking. Ensure the cookie balls are generously coated in powdered sugar, and they are placed on the baking sheet with enough space between them. Additionally, the crinkling effect may vary based on factors like humidity and altitude.

    cookies on plate

    Other cookie recipes to try:

    • Easy Cinnamon Palmiers Cookies
    • chickpea blondies
      Chickpea Blondies
    • matcha white chocolate chip cookies
      Matcha Cookies
    • Granola Cookies in a red box with espresso cups
      Granola Cookies
    almond lemon cookies

    Make these lemon crinkle cookies today!

    Follow my easy-to-follow instructions to whip up these Crinkle Lemon Cookies in no time. The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is a promise of the delightful experience that awaits. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a journey to create cookies that are not just a treat for the taste buds but a celebration of simplicity and indulgence. Get ready to savor the joy of each bite – these Crinkle Lemon Cookies are meant to be enjoyed one delicious moment at a time!

    lemon crinkle cookies on a plate

    Lemon Crinkle Cookies

    Gluten-free and dairy-free cookies made with only 5 ingredients.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 17 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 30 cookies

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups almond meal (blanched ground almonds)
    • 1 cup sugar
    • zest one lemon
    • 2 egg whites
    • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the oven to 170°C / 325°F with the fan.
    • In a bowl, mix the sugar and almond meal.
    • Add the lemon zest and egg whites.
    • Mix until you get a unified batter.
    • With wet hands, roll small balls of the batter.
    • Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl or a plate.
    • Roll each cookie ball in the powdered sugar.
    • Place the coated cookies on a baking pan.
    • Bake for 12 minutes.
    • Cool at room temperature.
    • Have a cookie and enjoy each bite!
    Keyword easy lemon cookie recipe, easy lemon cookies, lemon cookie recipes, lemon cookies, lemon crinkle cookies
    hand holding cookie that had one bite in it
    baked cookies on baking tray

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      Vegan Hamantaschen Cookies

    Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts, Gluten Free, Hanukah, Holidays, Parve Desserts, Passover, Purim, Rosh HaShanah, Shavuot, Sukkot, Tu BiShvat Tagged With: Almond

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    Comments

    1. Sara

      July 29, 2022 at 12:41 am

      tasted pretty good but we did not get any "crinkles"
      Did you flatten the balls before baking? It doesn't say so in the directions so we didn't and they came out looking exactly the way they went into the oven, just round balls covered in powdered sugar.

      Also, the coloring was very different. Your cookies are a very light color, like what you would get using regular flour. What kind of almond flour/meal did you use?

      Reply
      • Renana

        July 29, 2022 at 4:30 pm

        Hi Sara, Thanks for you comment!
        I didn't flatten the balls before baking. The cookies don't grow much, just get crinkles. Do you have a convection oven? I bake it with fan on, which could get hotter than without it. Also its short baking time so try baking for a few more minutes to see if the crinkles appear. I used blanched ground almonds, I will edit the ingredients to mention it, this could be the reason mine are lighter than yours.

        Reply

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    Renana Spiegel Levkovich

    Hello!

    I'm Renana and I share kosher recipes for Shabbat, yummy parve desserts, and Jewish holiday recipes - and so much more. I share easy kosher recipes for the whole family, along with some pretty great photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Enjoy!

    Contact me for any question →


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