These lemon raspberry cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor and pockets of sweet-tart raspberries. With their vibrant color and refreshing taste, they’re the perfect treat for spring, summer, or whenever I want something fresh and fruity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these cookies strike a perfect balance between zesty lemon and juicy raspberries. The lemon adds a tangy brightness, while the raspberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of color. They’re easy to make, beautiful on a dessert plate, and just the right mix of soft and slightly crisp around the edges.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Egg
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Lemon zest
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Lemon juice
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Vanilla extract
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Fresh or frozen raspberries (cut in half if large)
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Optional: white chocolate chips
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, I cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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I beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until combined.
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I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
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I gently fold in the raspberries (and white chocolate chips if using), being careful not to crush the berries too much.
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I scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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I bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
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I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 cookies. Prep time is 15 minutes, baking takes 10–12 minutes per batch, and cooling takes another 10 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes swap raspberries for blackberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
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For an extra lemon punch, I drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
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I’ve also added chopped almonds or pistachios for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days since the fresh raspberries add moisture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. I thaw them at room temperature and warm for 5–8 seconds in the microwave if I want them extra soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, I often use frozen raspberries straight from the freezer to help them hold their shape in the dough. I just fold them in gently.
Will the raspberries make the cookies soggy?
Fresh berries can release juice, so I avoid overmixing once they’re added. Storing them in the fridge helps keep them fresh.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and had great results. The texture remains soft and tender.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
I chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking if it feels too soft. This helps them hold their shape.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Definitely. I sometimes add a bit of lemon extract or increase the zest for a stronger citrus punch.
Conclusion
Lemon raspberry cookies are a fresh, fruity, and colorful treat that I love making any time of year. With their bright flavor, soft texture, and pretty speckles of raspberry, they’re perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
PrintLemon Raspberry Cookies
These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of bright citrus flavor with bursts of sweet-tart raspberries. Perfect for spring, summer, or any time you want a fresh and fruity treat, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (halved if large)
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in raspberries (and white chocolate chips if using), being careful not to crush the berries too much.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and slightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Swap raspberries for blueberries or blackberries for variety.
- For extra lemon flavor, drizzle with a lemon glaze after cooling.
- Add chopped almonds or pistachios for crunch.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days due to berry moisture.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg