Lemon Raspberry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the sweet-tart taste of fresh raspberries. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, if unavailable)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Timing

Making Lemon Raspberry Cookies takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Fold in Raspberries

1. Add Raspberries: Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to crush them.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is fine as they will firm up while cooling.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Raspberry Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Fruit Variations: Substitute raspberries with other berries like blueberries or blackberries for a different flavor.
• Add-ins: Consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Zest Options: Experiment with other citrus zests, such as lime or orange, for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Lemon Raspberry Cookies are a refreshing and delicious treat that brighten up any occasion. With their delightful combination of lemon and raspberry flavors, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!