Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Lemon Raspberry Cookies! I whipped up a batch recently during one of those sunny afternoons that make you just want to be outside, and they turned out to be the perfect sweet treat. The tangy lemon combined with the bright bursts of juicy raspberry creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
These cookies bring back memories of family picnics in the park, where my grandma would always show up with her magical desserts. Whenever someone asked for the recipe, she’d wink and say, “Just a little love and a sprinkle of sunshine.” I think she would have loved this recipe as it perfectly captures that spirit!
Now, let’s get into the fun part—what do we need to make these delightful cookies?
What’s in Lemon Raspberry Cookies?
All-purpose flour: This is our magic dust that holds everything together! I typically use unbleached all-purpose flour for a more natural flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key here! It helps to balance the tartness of the lemon and raspberries.
Butter: I always go for unsalted butter. It gives us control over the saltiness and adds rich flavor.
Egg: The egg enhances the texture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Lemon zest and juice: This is where the magic happens! Fresh lemon zest brings out a vibrant flavor, while the juice gives a lovely tang.
Fresh raspberries: Juicy bursts of raspberry goodness are an absolute must. If you can find them fresh, use ‘em! But frozen works well too.
Baking powder: A little bit of leavening to make our cookies rise to perfection!
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm note that balances the other flavors beautifully.
Is Lemon Raspberry Cookies Good for You?
Now, I won’t claim these cookies will make you immune to everything, but they do have some redeemable qualities!
Raspberries: These little gems are packed with vitamins C and K, plus they are loaded with antioxidants. They give you that natural sweetness without sending your blood sugar soaring. Perfect!
Lemons: Besides brightening up our cookies, lemons are a great source of vitamin C and have been known to boost your immune system. Also, who doesn’t love a little zing in their life?
The one thing to keep in mind is that these cookies do have sugar and butter, so they’re definitely a treat! Enjoy them in moderation, or go wild – life’s too short not to indulge every once in a while.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
– 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*Serves: Approximately 24 cookies*
How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. We want minimal cleanup — that’s the dream, right?
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes of mixing.
3. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. The mixture should smell heavenly!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually, add this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the raspberries. This part can get a little messy, but it’s sooo worth it!
6. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space for spreading (about 2 inches apart).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly soft. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes a burnt cookie!
8. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They might be a little fragile when they’re hot, so be gentle.
Sweet Variations and Extra Tips
Feeling adventurous? You can toss in some white chocolate chips for an extra creamy sweetness or substitute blueberries instead of raspberries for a different flavor profile. Even a pinch of almond extract can give these cookies a delightful twist!
Every time I make these cookies, I can’t help but feel a little burst of joy as I share them with friends and family. If you give this recipe a try, I really hope it brings you as much delight as it brings me. Share your thoughts, tweaks, or your baked masterpieces with me! It’s always a joy to hear how you enjoyed this little piece of sweet sunshine!
