There is something truly delightful about the Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. These cookies burst with the juicy sweetness of strawberries paired with a bright hint of lemon that adds a refreshing zing. The crinkled, powdered sugar-coated surface not only looks inviting but gives a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges. If you’re searching for a simple yet spectacular treat to share or enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces): The star of the show, this gives the cookies their vibrant strawberry flavor and beautiful pink hue.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich moisture and helps the cookies achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Eggs (2): Essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure to the cookies.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the strawberry sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For coating the dough balls, creating the lovely crinkle effect and a touch of sweetness on the exterior.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready by the time your dough is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, consistent dough that is easy to scoop.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly. This helps create cookies of the same size, ensuring they bake uniformly. You can opt for a smaller scoop if you want more cookies, just remember to adjust the baking time slightly.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the powdered sugar. This coating is what will give the iconic crinkled appearance once baked, so be generous and make sure each cookie is fully covered.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls about one and a half inches apart on your prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 11 minutes — keep an eye for the perfect crinkle and soft center.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to set and develop that ideal chewy texture.
Step 7: Store Properly
After cooling, store your Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty, snowy effect that makes these cookies look as charming as they taste. For a fresh twist, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh strawberries or a tiny wedge of lemon zest.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, like a delicate Earl Grey or jasmine green tea, which complements the fruity citrus notes. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe to the next level by presenting them on a rustic wooden board adorned with fresh strawberries and lemon slices. You can also tie a small stack with a pastel ribbon for gifting or party favors that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain delightful for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for baking ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For a freshly-baked feel, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until just softened.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix offers a unique fruity flavor, you could experiment with vanilla or lemon cake mixes for different but equally tasty variations.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
There’s no need to refrigerate since they store well at room temperature. Refrigeration can sometimes dry out the cookies.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
If lemon juice is not available, you could substitute with lemon extract (about 1 teaspoon) or even a small amount of lime juice to maintain the citrus brightness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Using a gluten-free strawberry cake mix would make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free for the best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well chilled before scooping, or use a slightly smaller amount of butter. Also, spacing cookies properly on the baking sheet helps prevent them from merging during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of bright, fresh flavors with a wonderfully chewy texture that feels like sunshine in cookie form. It’s so easy to make, with simple ingredients coming together to create something special. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
