Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Introduction

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet berry goodness, look no further than Lemon Raspberry Cookies. These delightful treats are packed with zesty lemon and juicy raspberries, offering a refreshing twist on your typical cookie. Whether you’re looking to bake a batch for an afternoon tea, a summer picnic, or just to brighten up your day, these cookies bring a burst of flavor that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Baking these cookies is a breeze, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a batch of soft, chewy delights with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The natural tartness of fresh lemon and raspberries harmonizes beautifully with a sweet dough, making these cookies irresistible. They’re the perfect combination of fruitiness and freshness with a touch of sweetness that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with Lemon Raspberry Cookies for so many reasons! Here are just a few:

• Burst of Freshness: The zesty lemon and tangy raspberries give each bite an explosion of refreshing flavor.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy with a delicate balance of crisp edges that make each bite a joy.
• Simple Ingredients: No complicated ingredients here! With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be ready to bake in no time.
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are easy to make and perfect for baking with kids. They’ll love helping to add the berries!
• Versatile: You can switch up the flavors by using different fruits or adding a glaze to finish them off for extra sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Option: These cookies can be made ahead and stored for days, so you can bake in advance for events or simply enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
• Beautifully Colorful: The pop of pink from the raspberries paired with the bright yellow lemon zest makes these cookies visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.
• Ideal for Gifting: Package these cookies up in a cute jar or box for a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
• A Great Pick-Me-Up: With their citrusy flavor and sweetness, these cookies make for a delightful afternoon snack, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to bake your Lemon Raspberry Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Zest and Juice: The lemon zest adds a fragrant, tangy flavor to the dough, while the fresh lemon juice infuses each cookie with a citrusy brightness.
• Fresh Raspberries: Juicy, slightly tart raspberries bring an extra pop of flavor and color to these cookies, creating a perfect balance with the sweetness of the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter creates that soft, chewy texture and enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: The sugar provides sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Lemon Raspberry Cookies:

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Raspberries: Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much. The berries should be dispersed evenly throughout the dough.

Form the Cookies

1. Shape the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough may be slightly sticky, so you can lightly flour your hands to help with shaping.
2. Flatten Slightly: Lightly press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to slightly flatten them. This helps them bake more evenly.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set in the center. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent overbaking.
4. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Lemon Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top for an extra citrusy kick and a beautiful glossy finish. If you prefer, you can skip the glaze for a more subtle lemon flavor.

How to Serve

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some fun serving ideas:

1. Tea Time Treat: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.
2. Picnic Basket: Pack them in your picnic basket for a sweet addition to a sunny day out.
3. Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a beautiful dessert platter with other summer treats like fruit tarts or iced cookies for a colorful display.
4. Gift a Batch: Package them in a cute jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
5. Serve with Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of lemon sorbet or raspberry gelato for a fruity dessert duo.
6. Perfect for Parties: Serve them at a summer BBQ or birthday party for a sweet, refreshing treat.
7. After Dinner Delight: These cookies make a light and refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Lemon Raspberry Cookies turn out perfect, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries yield the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen raspberries work just as well. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing in the dry ingredients, stop once everything is combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
3. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up before shaping the cookies.
4. Make Them Smaller: For bite-sized treats, shape the dough into smaller balls and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
5. Try a Lemon Sugar Coating: For a sparkly finish, roll the dough balls in lemon-sugar before baking to add a little extra sweetness and texture.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize these cookies. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Berry Medley: Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a mixed berry version.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a fun, crunchy texture.
• Shortbread Base: Swap some of the flour for cornstarch to make a buttery shortbread-style cookie.
• Coconut Twist: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical variation.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg for a vegan version of these cookies.
• Lemon and Lavender: Add dried lavender to the dough for a fragrant floral twist.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage will help keep your Lemon Raspberry Cookies fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: If you live in a warm climate, store the cookies in the fridge to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Before you get baking, here are some common questions that might pop up about making Lemon Raspberry Cookies. Hopefully, these answers help clear up any doubts and guide you through the process!

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the raspberries well before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent excess moisture in the cookies.

Can I use a different type of berry?

Absolutely! While raspberries are perfect for this recipe, feel free to swap in blackberries, blueberries, or even strawberries for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cookie may vary slightly with different berries.

How can I prevent the raspberries from getting mushy?

Gently fold the raspberries into the dough to avoid crushing them too much. If you prefer, you can lightly coat the raspberries with a bit of flour before adding them to the dough—this helps them hold their shape.

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Conclusion

Lemon Raspberry Cookies are an easy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bright citrusy flavor and sweet berry burst, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Try making a batch for your next gathering or simply as a fun weekend baking project. And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!