This Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is a sweet and zesty treat that blends the nostalgic taste of sugar cookies with the tangy brightness of lemonade. The result is a crumbly, buttery dessert that hits all the right notes of sweet, citrus, and comfort in every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime I want a refreshing twist on a classic cookie flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe combines two beloved flavors—sugar cookies and lemonade—into one dessert. The buttery crumble topping pairs beautifully with the soft, lemony base, creating a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a fun dessert to serve when I want something unique yet familiar, and it’s a breeze to whip up. Whether I’m baking for a party or just treating myself, this crumble is always a hit.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sugar cookie mix
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Eggs
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour (for optional thickening)
- Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, I combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and eggs until the dough forms.
- I press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, I mix lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar to create a lemonade filling. I sometimes add a little flour to thicken if the mixture is too runny.
- I pour the lemonade filling over the cookie crust and crumble the remaining dough on top.
- I bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
- Once cooled, I sometimes drizzle powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- I let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready to enjoy in around 40 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I like to add white chocolate chips to the sugar cookie base for extra richness. If I’m in the mood for berries, I’ll toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries with the lemon filling. For an extra tangy punch, I use Meyer lemons. And when I want a more classic cookie crumble texture, I substitute half the butter with cream cheese for a softer finish.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If I’m reheating a larger portion, I cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when the crumble is fully baked?
I look for a golden-brown top and make sure the center doesn’t jiggle when I give the dish a gentle shake. It should be set and slightly firm to the touch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake it the day before and store it covered until ready to serve. It actually tastes even better once the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Absolutely. I just make sure the dough is sturdy enough to hold its shape and bake properly as a base and crumble topping.
Is this dessert freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps well for up to 2 months.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
I can, but I prefer fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The zest is essential, so if I go with bottled juice, I still include freshly grated lemon zest.
Conclusion
This Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. It’s a simple dessert that feels special, whether I’m serving it at a gathering or indulging in a midday treat. I love how easy it is to customize and how quickly it comes together, making it one of my go-to recipes when I want something bright, satisfying, and delicious.
Print
Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and zesty dessert that combines the classic taste of sugar cookies with the tangy brightness of lemonade, resulting in a buttery crumble that’s perfect for summer or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, melted butter, and eggs until a dough forms.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, and granulated sugar to create the lemonade filling. Add flour if the mixture is too runny.
- Pour the lemonade filling over the cookie crust and crumble the remaining dough on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Let cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze.
- Slice and serve once fully cooled.
Notes
- Add white chocolate chips to the base for extra richness.
- Include fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Use Meyer lemons for a more aromatic and tangy flavor.
- Substitute half the butter with cream cheese for a softer crumble texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg