Lemon Crumble Cookies

Best Lemon Crumble Cookies – Easy & Homemade

ByBella Skye
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Introduction to Lemon Crumble Cookies

Lemon crumble cookies are a delightful combination of zesty citrus flavor and buttery, soft texture with a lightly crisp exterior. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making them a favorite for dessert lovers and home bakers alike. The crumble topping adds a delicate crunch, enhancing the cookie’s overall texture and creating a sophisticated, bakery quality treat at home.

What makes lemon crumble cookies special is their bright, refreshing flavor. The natural tang of fresh lemon zest and juice cuts through the sweetness, creating a cookie that is light, fragrant, and irresistible. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these have a slightly tender, melt in your mouth center with a gently crisp topping that keeps every bite interesting.

Best Ever Desserts

People love lemon crumble cookies because they are versatile, easy to enjoy year round, and perfect for gifting. Their fresh, citrusy flavor makes them ideal for spring and summer gatherings, while their soft, comforting texture is perfect for cozy winter baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon crumble cookie recipe is designed to be simple enough for home bakers while delivering a professional, bakery style result.

First, the dough is soft and buttery, enriched with fresh lemon zest and juice for a pronounced citrus flavor. The cookies hold their shape well while staying tender on the inside.

Second, the crumble topping adds a crunchy contrast that enhances every bite. A combination of flour, sugar, and butter forms small, buttery clusters that bake into a golden crust on top of the cookie.

Third, these cookies are forgiving. Even if you are new to baking, following this recipe step by step will give you consistent, delicious results. It’s ideal for lemon cookies recipes, lemon dessert recipes, or easy lemon cookies simple enough for everyday baking.

Lemon crumble cookies

Finally, the recipe is versatile. You can adjust the intensity of lemon flavor, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or dip in a light glaze for extra sweetness, making it suitable for sweet dishes recipes, holiday treats, or homemade cookbook collections.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 12–14 minutes
  • Total time: 34 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Yield: Approximately 2 dozen lemon crumble cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Crumble Topping

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Lemon glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
Lemon crumble cookies

Substitution Notes

  • Butter can be replaced with vegan butter for a plant based variation.
  • All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten free flour for a gluten free version; reduce slightly if the dough is too dry.
  • Egg can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for egg free baking.
  • Sugar can be partially substituted with coconut sugar, keeping the same amount for sweetness balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

crumble cookies vector

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

crumble cookies vector

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. The crumble should resemble coarse sand with small buttery clusters.

crumble cookies vector

Step 3: Shape and Top the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle each cookie generously with the crumble topping, pressing lightly so it sticks to the dough.

crumble cookies vector

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and tender.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

crumble cookies vector

Step 5: Optional Finishing

Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve

Lemon crumble cookies are as much about presentation as they are about flavor, and serving them thoughtfully enhances the overall experience. For a simple yet elegant option, place them on a decorative plate or a small cake stand for afternoon tea. Their golden tops and bright citrus aroma make them visually appealing and inviting, instantly drawing attention. Pairing the cookies with a cup of hot tea, fresh lemonade, or a light coffee enhances their delicate lemon flavor and provides a balanced pairing that elevates the tasting experience.

For parties, brunches, or gatherings, consider arranging the Lemon crumble cookies on a tiered dessert tray alongside other lemon flavored treats, such as lemon bars, lemon crinkle cookies, or lemon meringue bites. Layering them in neat rows or stacking them slightly creates a visually striking display. The combination of their soft centers, crumbly topping, and vibrant yellow hue adds freshness to any dessert table, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier baked goods like chocolate brownies or spiced cakes.

These Lemon crumble cookies are also ideal for gifting or on-the-go snacking. Wrap each cookie individually in parchment paper or cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and include them in homemade recipe boxes for friends, neighbors, or family. They are durable enough to travel without losing their delicate texture and are perfect for sharing during holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings.

For a cozy home setting, consider pairing the cookies with a small pot of herbal tea or a pitcher of iced lemonade. For brunch or special occasions, plate them alongside other desserts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light lemon glaze drizzle. Adding fresh lemon zest or edible flowers as a garnish enhances the presentation, making the cookies look as delightful as they taste.

By thoughtfully serving lemon crumble cookies, you transform a simple treat into a memorable experience. Whether displayed for a gathering, gifted to someone special, or enjoyed as a comforting snack at home, these cookies shine with their bright citrus flavor, tender texture, and charming appearance.

Lemon crumble cookies

Additional Tips

  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but will not provide the same aromatic depth.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
  • Ensure the butter for the crumble topping is cold; this creates the delicate, crisp clusters that give these cookies their signature texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

  • Lemon Poppy Seed Crumble Cookies
    Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds to the cookie dough for a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
  • Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies
    Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the dough for extra richness and a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Glazed Lemon Crumble Cookies
    Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze or a white chocolate lemon drizzle for a bakery style finish.

Freezing and Storage

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to restore crisp edges.
  • Freezing the cookie dough before baking is also an option; scoop balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then bake directly from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fiber: 0.5 grams
  • Sugar: 12 grams

Values may vary depending on toppings and ingredients used.

Final Words

Lemon crumble cookies are a perfect combination of bright, citrus flavor and tender, buttery texture. Baking them at home allows you to control sweetness, customize toppings, and create a dessert that is fresh, aromatic, and visually appealing.

Once you master this recipe, you can experiment with poppy seeds, cream cheese, or glazes to create your own signature variation. They are ideal for gifting, parties, or enjoying with a cup of tea any day of the week.

These cookies demonstrate how a simple, high quality ingredient like fresh lemon can transform everyday baking into something extraordinary. With each bite, you experience the perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet sugar, and buttery crumble, making lemon crumble cookies a versatile and irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire.

FAQs

They are soft and tender on the inside with a lightly crisp crumble topping.

Yes. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, or frozen for later use.

Yes. Vegan butter works for a plant based variation, or use a light margarine if needed.

Increase the zest of one additional lemon or add 1–2 teaspoons of lemon extract for stronger citrus flavor.

Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend, adjusting as necessary for dough consistency.

Best Lemon Crumble Cookies - Easy & Homemade
Print

Best Lemon Crumble Cookies – Easy & Homemade

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Desserts
Cookies

24

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

14

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Zest of 2 lemons

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • For the Crumble Topping

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • Optional Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

  • Lemon glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. The crumble should resemble coarse sand with small buttery clusters.
  • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
    Sprinkle each cookie generously with the crumble topping, pressing lightly so it sticks to the dough.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and tender.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but will not provide the same aromatic depth.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
  • Ensure the butter for the crumble topping is cold; this creates the delicate, crisp clusters that give these cookies their signature texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

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