Lemon Raspberry Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the zing of lemon with the sweetness of raspberries, then you’ve come to the right place! Lemon Raspberry Cookies are the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with flavor, making them an instant favorite at family gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet snack during the week. I love how they bring a little sunshine to any occasion!

Baking these cookies is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that everyone will rave about. Their bright flavors and lovely colors make them perfect for summer celebrations or any time you need something to lift your spirits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these cookies, making them perfect for sharing at home or bringing to parties.
• Perfectly fruity: The combination of lemon and raspberries creates a refreshing flavor that’s unlike any cookie you’ve tried before.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a special dessert for guests, these cookies fit the bill!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Lemon Raspberry Cookies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅔ cup (167 g) frozen raspberries (roughly chopped)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for some fun twists! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use different berries: Swap out the raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a delightful twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.
• Drizzle with icing: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some lemon glaze over the cooled cookies.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, add sugar and butter. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add your egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Beat until everything is smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients not only add flavor but also help bind everything together.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the dry ingredients! Mix in flour, lemon zest, baking powder, and baking soda on low speed until well combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender! Gently fold in those gorgeous chopped raspberries at this stage.

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Chill your dough in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading while baking so that you get perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough onto the lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-13 minutes or until they are lightly brown on the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes before carefully moving them to a cooling rack to cool completely. And then… enjoy every delicious bite of your Lemon Raspberry Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll make your Lemon Raspberry Cookies even more scrumptious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps them mix more easily into the dough, creating a smoother texture and helping your cookies rise better.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender and light. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, which we want to avoid for that lovely soft bite.
• Chill your dough: Giving the dough a short chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together and helps prevent spreading during baking. This means thicker, softer cookies!
• Use fresh raspberries if possible: While frozen raspberries work well, fresh ones will add an extra burst of flavor and color. If you’re using frozen, ensure they are roughly chopped so they distribute evenly.
• Experiment with lemon zest: Adding more lemon zest can elevate the cookie’s citrus flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your taste—more zest equals more zing!

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Cookies

These bright and zesty cookies are not just delightful on their own but can also pair wonderfully with various accompaniments to enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Lemon slices: Serve alongside thin slices of lemon for an extra touch of brightness that complements the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a rich contrast to the tangy cookies, making for a delicious dessert combo.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies while keeping the theme fruity.
• Lemonade or herbal tea: Pairing these cookies with a glass of homemade lemonade or a soothing herbal tea offers a refreshing drink option that complements their flavors beautifully.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits makes for a light side that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the cookies while adding some creaminess.

Enjoy these vibrant Lemon Raspberry Cookies anytime you need a little sunshine in your day! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are not just a delightful treat; they are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their refreshing flavor throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh for as long as possible.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Bake frozen cookies for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Lemon Raspberry Cookies!

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work well too. Just be gentle when folding them into the dough to avoid crushing them too much.

What makes these Lemon Raspberry Cookies special?

The combination of tangy lemon and sweet-tart raspberries creates a bright, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re soft, chewy, and sure to bring a smile!

How do I make my Lemon Raspberry Cookies even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt or experimenting with different types of citrus zest alongside the lemon.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Lemon Raspberry Cookies as much as I do! Their vibrant flavors make them an instant favorite during sunny days or whenever you need a little boost. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!