Name: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies – Bright Crinkle Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix; 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 4 drops yellow food coloring (optional); 1 (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix; 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup; 4 drops red food coloring (optional); ½ cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

Bring the bright, refreshing flavors of summer into your kitchen with these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the zing of lemon and the sweetness of strawberries, these two-tone crinkle cookies are a visually stunning and flavor-packed treat. Whether you’re looking for easy party desserts, colorful summer cookies, or kid-friendly baking ideas, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

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Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tart citrus and fruity strawberry, wrapped in a powdered sugar shell that cracks into a beautiful crinkle when baked. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast—ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or weekday cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two vibrant flavors in one bite — lemon and strawberry combine beautifully.
Colorful and eye-catching — perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
Uses cookie mix for convenience — no fuss, no mess.
Soft and chewy texture — with that classic crinkle cookie finish.
Kid-friendly and fun to make — especially when rolling in powdered sugar.
Perfect for lemon lovers — with a real citrus kick from juice and zest.

Ingredient Breakdown

Sugar Cookie Mix: The base for both cookie flavors, making the recipe fast and foolproof.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps form the dough; soft butter is key for easy mixing.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Deliver that bright, zesty citrus punch.
Strawberry Syrup: Infuses a sweet, fruity flavor and vibrant pink hue.
Food Coloring (optional): Enhances the visual contrast—yellow for lemon, red for strawberry.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that iconic crinkle coating when baked.

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Pro Tips

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bold citrusy punch.
Don’t overmix the dough once the ingredients come together—this keeps the cookies tender.
Sift your powdered sugar before rolling for even coating and a prettier crinkle effect.
Chill dough slightly if it becomes too soft to roll smoothly.
Bake on the center rack for even heat distribution and perfect crackling tops.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Use raspberry syrup instead of strawberry for a twist.
Add white chocolate chips for a creamy burst inside the cookie.
Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix.
Try lime juice and zest for a lemon-lime variation.
Add a drop of lemon extract for extra citrus intensity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a glass of cold lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing summer treat.
Add to a cookie platter for holidays, birthdays, or baby showers.
Stack them in a clear bag tied with ribbon as edible gifts.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make ahead: Prepare the doughs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate separately.
To freeze: Roll dough balls and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Roll in powdered sugar just before baking.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Re-crisp: If cookies soften too much, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes.

Cultural or Historical Notes

While crinkle cookies are a classic American cookie style, the strawberry-lemonade flavor pairing draws inspiration from nostalgic fairground drinks and summertime backyard gatherings—a playful, fruity nod to sunny days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Yes! Just be sure the dough is soft and pliable enough to mix in the flavorings and roll easily.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze the individual dough balls before coating in powdered sugar. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

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Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
The powdered sugar coating helps create that signature crackle. Make sure to coat them well and don’t skip the baking soda in your cookie mix.

Can I make these all one flavor?
Yes, you can double one dough and skip the other if you want all lemon or all strawberry cookies.

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Do I have to use food coloring?
Not at all! The cookies will still taste amazing without it—just a bit more muted in color.

Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g