5-Ingredient Lemon Cake Cookies: Quick, Zesty & Crinkly Dessert

Easy Lemon Cake Cookies for a Citrus Burst

These lemon cake cookies are the perfect sweet-tart treat when you need a quick dessert fix using cake mix and just a handful of pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cake Cookies

• Super simple: only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes total.
• Bright flavor: real lemon cake mix gives a zesty punch.
• Perfect texture: crackly tops and soft centers.
• Crowd-pleaser: great for potlucks, bake sales, or after-school snacks.

Ingredients for Your Citrus Crinkle Cookies

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a soft dough forms.
3. Pour the granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls, then coat each ball in granulated sugar.
4. Place sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
6. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
7. Once warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for that signature crinkly look.
8. Serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips & Variations

Make Them Extra Zesty

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra citrus pop. You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure your powdered sugar is certified gluten-free.

Storage & Freezing

• Store cooled cookies in a sealed container to keep them soft.
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 71 kcal
• Carbs: 11 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Protein: 1 g

Ready to bake? Dive into these zesty, crinkly lemon cake cookies for a bright twist on classic dessert staples. Enjoy your homemade lemon cake cookies!