Lemon Raspberry Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines fresh flavors with a sweet twist, these Lemon Raspberry Cookies are just the thing! They’re soft, fluffy, and have the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. I love making these cookies whenever I want to add a little sunshine to my day or impress friends at family gatherings. They remind me of summer picnics and refreshing lemonade stands, making every bite feel like a special occasion.

These cookies are not just delicious; they also cater to many dietary needs. With no eggs, gluten, or nuts, they fit perfectly into various lifestyles. Whether you need a quick dessert for a busy weeknight or something to share at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoying the tasty cookies afterward!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Deliciously refreshing: The combination of lemon and raspberry creates a flavor that’s both vibrant and comforting.
• Dietary friendly: These cookies are gluten-free, nut-free, eggless, and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome components that come together to create something truly special. Gather these items to make your Lemon Raspberry Cookies:

For the Cookies

• 2 cups gluten free flour (I use a 1:1 gluten free flour with xanthan gum)
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegan baking stick, room temperature)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 heaping tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, chopped

For the Lemon Sugar Coating

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)

For the Raspberry Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1-2 frozen raspberries
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: If you’re not avoiding nuts, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Try different fruits: Substitute blueberries or strawberries for raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Experiment with citrus: Swap out lemon juice and zest for lime or orange if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Make it chocolatey: Add some dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise in each bite.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl

Start by gathering all your ingredients in one place. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together your room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, which makes your cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your cornstarch mixture (this acts as an egg substitute), milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mix. Stir until everything is well combined. The lemon juice adds that lovely tang we adore!

Step 4: Fold in Raspberries

Gently fold in the chopped frozen raspberries into your dough. Be careful not to overmix; we want those beautiful raspberry chunks intact for bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Scoop out dough balls and roll them in the lemon sugar coating before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This adds a lovely sweetness on top while baking!

Step 6: Bake Away!

Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks – this helps them set nicely.

Step 7: Make the Raspberry Glaze

While your cookies cool down completely, whisk together confectioners’ sugar with crushed frozen raspberries and water until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy these Lemon Raspberry Cookies! Each bite will take you right back to summer days filled with joy.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Baking is all about precision and a dash of love, so here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Raspberry Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and any other dairy alternatives at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and fluffier cookies.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Gently fold in the raspberries: To maintain their shape and prevent them from breaking apart, gently fold the chopped frozen raspberries into the dough. This ensures that each cookie has delightful bursts of raspberry flavor.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with citrus zest: While lemon is delicious, you can also add a hint of lime or orange zest to switch things up. This brings a new layer of flavor that complements the raspberry beautifully.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Cookies

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some serving ideas to make them even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top not only adds visual appeal but also enhances that zesty flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Dusting some powdered sugar on top of the cookies gives them an elegant touch, making them look like they came straight from a bakery.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits complements these cookies wonderfully, adding freshness and balance to your dessert table.
• Vanilla coconut ice cream: For a decadent pairing, serve your cookies alongside creamy vanilla coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea (like chamomile or lemon verbena) enhances the lemony notes of your cookies while offering a comforting beverage option.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it an intriguing snack combo.

Enjoy every delicious bite of these Lemon Raspberry Cookies while exploring creative ways to present and pair them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an easy treat to grab when you’re craving something sweet. Here’s how to store them properly and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 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.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, sealing tightly. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat!

FAQs

If you have any questions while making these delicious treats, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I make Lemon Raspberry Cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use a vegan baking stick in place of butter and choose plant-based milk for the recipe. These adjustments will make the cookies completely vegan without sacrificing taste!

What is the best way to store Lemon Raspberry Cookies?

Store your Lemon Raspberry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. If you’d like to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!

How do I prevent my Lemon Raspberry Cookies from spreading too much?

To minimize spreading, ensure that your dough is well-chilled before baking. Additionally, using gluten-free flour with xanthan gum helps maintain structure during baking.

Can I substitute fresh raspberries for frozen in this recipe?

While frozen raspberries work beautifully in this recipe, you can use fresh if you prefer. Just be aware that fresh raspberries may add more moisture, so adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Lemon Raspberry Cookies! They are not just a treat; they embody the essence of summer with their refreshing flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!