Name: Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 large lemon, zested; ½ cup (113.5 g) butter, room temperature; ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1¼ cups (175 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (75 g) frozen raspberries, chopped small; Flaked salt for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you are craving a dessert that bursts with bright, zesty flavor and just the right touch of sweetness, this Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Soft and chewy, these cookies combine fresh lemon zest and juice with juicy raspberries, creating a perfect balance between tangy and sweet in every bite. They are effortlessly delicious and ideal for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself to a little citrusy joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds two layers of ingredients on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a pale beige dough with a crumbly texture, forming a rough mound. On top of the dough is a bright red layer of small raspberry pieces that have a slightly wet, fresh look. Some of the raspberry pieces have spilled over a bit onto the dough. The image is bright and clean with soft natural light, showing the details of the dough and raspberries clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making these lemon raspberry cookies truly shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding brightness, richness, or that irresistible chewy texture you’ll love.

Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness while blending wonderfully with the lemon zest to release that citrus aroma.
Lemon zest: Fresh zest intensifies the lemon flavor without adding extra liquid, keeping the dough just right.
Butter (room temperature): Creates a tender, soft base and helps achieve that dreamy chewy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone, which balances the tartness beautifully.
Egg yolk: Binds the dough and enriches the cookies with a silky texture.
Lemon juice: Boosts the tangy flavor for that unmistakable lemon punch.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds warmth.
Salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the citrus notes.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving a soft crumb.
Baking soda: Ensures a tender texture and slight spread during baking.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
Frozen raspberries (chopped): Bursts of tartness in every bite, the stars of the show paired with lemon.
Flaked salt for sprinkling: Adds a delightful contrast and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools

Set your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. It’s important to have everything ready before making the dough so you can keep the raspberries from thawing too much before baking.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Lemon Zest

In a large bowl, rub the granulated sugar and lemon zest together using your fingers. This releases the essential oils in the zest, infusing the sugar with bright, fresh lemon flavor that makes the cookies uniquely refreshing.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the room temperature butter and brown sugar to the lemon-scented sugar, then beat them on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it traps air that helps with the tender texture of the cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolk, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. These liquids give the dough moisture and enhance the cookie’s rich but fresh flavor. Make sure the mixture is smooth and homogenous for a consistent dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Slowly add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour to the wet mixture. Stir carefully and stop when you still see a bit of flour left around the bowl. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, and you want them delicate and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Chopped Frozen Raspberries

Gently fold the chopped frozen raspberries into the dough. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the berry juice to stay mostly contained so your cookies have little pops of tartness rather than a bleeding pink dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Sprinkle

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a large spoon), place five mounds of dough per baking sheet. Sprinkle each cookie dough ball lightly with flaked salt to bring out the sweetness and add texture contrast.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a light golden brown but the centers are still soft. Let them rest on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven so they finish cooking gently without drying out the insides.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe

The image shows a single round cookie with an uneven edge where a bite is taken out, lying on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The cookie has a pale yellow base mixed with deep red raspberry spots swirled throughout, giving it a marbled look. On top are scattered coarse crystals of sugar and small bits of yellow zest. Around the cookie, fresh red raspberries are placed, and one raspberry has left a small red smear on the parchment. The overall look is soft and textured, with bright raspberry colors contrasting against the pale dough and white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds a beautiful finish and a touch more brightness. Fresh raspberries on the side also make a lovely, natural garnish that highlights the cookie’s flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, especially green or herbal blends that complement the citrus notes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also divine for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with lemon curd or raspberry jam in between to create delightful sandwich cookies. Alternatively, drizzle some white chocolate over the top for an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and keeps the raspberries fresh tasting.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Warm frozen or leftover cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness. Avoid microwaving for too long, or they may become overly soft and lose their structure.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Yes, but be cautious as fresh raspberries have more juice and can make the dough wetter. If using fresh, try chopping them gently and patting dry with a paper towel to minimize excess moisture.

Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?

To adapt this Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe for a vegan diet, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This can actually help the flavors deepen and make handling easier.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?

Overly warm dough or too much butter can cause spreading. Make sure your butter is just softened and not melting. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain shape.

Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?

While lemon juice adds fresh acidity and moisture, lemon extract can be used for a stronger concentrated flavor if you reduce or eliminate the juice. Adjust the liquid quantities accordingly to maintain dough consistency.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you fall in love with this Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe as much as I have. They strike a perfect balance between soft, sweet, and tangy that’s just so irresistible. Easy to make and endlessly delightful, these cookies will brighten your day and become a go-to treat for any occasion.