Raspberry Lemonade Cookies

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the burst of flavor that comes from the combination of fresh raspberries and tangy lemon. I recently made a batch of Raspberry Lemonade Cookies, and the response from my family was immediate enthusiasm. The tanginess of the lemon, the slight tartness from the raspberries, and the soft, chewy texture of the cookie make this treat perfect for any occasion. They’re not too sweet but have just enough zest to make them interesting and refreshing. Whether you’re serving them at a summer gathering, enjoying a mid-afternoon snack, or gifting them to a friend, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love Raspberry Lemonade Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that offers a unique blend of flavors, the Raspberry Lemonade Cookies will not disappoint. These cookies have everything you love in a dessert: the bright citrus flavor from the lemon combined with the sweet-tart raspberries, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. What’s even better? This recipe is incredibly versatile—whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a lighter twist on traditional cookies, this recipe can easily be adapted to meet your dietary preferences. These cookies are the perfect treat for those who enjoy fruity desserts but want something a little different from your typical chocolate chip cookie. Not only are they bursting with refreshing flavors, but they’re also easy to make.

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Ingredients
(Makes 6 Large Cookies or 12 Regular Cookies)

• 1/2 cup butter (use dairy-free if needed)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup frozen raspberries, broken into smaller pieces
• Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and smooth. This will form the base of your dough, and the butter will help give your cookies a rich, tender texture.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, ensuring the egg and lemon juice are fully incorporated into the batter.
3. Mix in the lemon zest, which adds the citrusy brightness to the cookies. The lemon zest gives a lovely fragrance and additional zing to the dough.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients
4. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. The baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, making them soft, while the baking soda gives them a little spread as they bake. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop stirring. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.

Add the Raspberries
5. Gently break up the frozen raspberries into smaller pieces, making sure they’re not too big so they distribute evenly throughout the dough. Add them to the dough and gently fold them in, leaving streaks of pink throughout. This will give the cookies a pretty marbled effect once baked.

Chill the Dough
6. After you’ve mixed everything together, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, preventing them from spreading too much. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Scoop and Bake
7. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Depending on how large you want your cookies, you can make 6 large cookies or 12 smaller ones. Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading. 8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffed. The cookies should still appear slightly soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Serve
9. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
10. For a little extra crunch and sweetness, sprinkle the cooled cookies with coarse sugar if desired. This will give them a nice finishing touch and enhance the lemon flavor.

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Nutrition Facts
(For 1 Regular Cookie)

• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg

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Preparation Time:

• Active prep time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 14-16 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

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How to Serve Raspberry Lemonade Cookies

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a light lunch or dinner. The bright lemon and raspberry flavors are a perfect contrast to heavier main courses.
• With Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon break. The light, fruity flavors complement the richness of tea or coffee.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for summer parties, picnics, or holidays like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. The refreshing lemon and raspberry combo adds a festive touch to any event.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Dairy-Free Butter: If you’re making these cookies dairy-free, simply substitute regular butter with dairy-free butter. The texture and taste won’t change much!
2. Freeze Raspberries: If fresh raspberries aren’t available, use frozen raspberries. Make sure to break them into small pieces before adding them to the dough. Frozen raspberries will keep the dough cold longer, which can help with the shape of the cookies.
3. Add More Zest for Extra Flavor: If you love lemon, feel free to add more lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and you’ll have soft, chewy cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: If you’re in a rush, chill the dough for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the cookies keep their shape while baking.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh raspberries can be used. However, frozen raspberries help keep the dough firm during mixing and prevent it from becoming too soft.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free 1:1 flour, and you’ll have gluten-free cookies without any modifications to the recipe.

3. How can I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

4. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure the butter is softened and not too warm.

6. Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you can increase the lemon juice slightly, but be careful not to add too much, or it might affect the dough’s consistency.

7. Why did my cookies flatten too much?
If the dough is too warm when placed on the baking sheet, the cookies may spread too much. Always chill the dough to prevent this from happening.

8. How long do these cookies take to bake?
They will bake in about 14-16 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies and the temperature of your oven.

9. Can I skip the lemon zest?
Lemon zest adds a wonderful burst of citrus flavor, but if you prefer a more subtle lemon taste, you can skip it or replace it with lemon extract.

10. What is the best way to enjoy these cookies?
They are best enjoyed slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee. The flavor of the raspberries and lemon is most pronounced when fresh out of the oven.

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Conclusion

Raspberry Lemonade Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on classic cookies or you need a treat to impress your guests, these cookies are a delicious and delightful option. Their chewy texture, tangy lemon, and juicy raspberries come together to create a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Easy to make, customizable to dietary needs, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth, Raspberry Lemonade Cookies should definitely be on your baking list this season!

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