The bold zing of lemon meets the juicy sweetness of raspberries in every soft, chewy bite. It’s a flavor combo that’s bright, refreshing, and completely addictive.

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies have crisp edges, gooey centers, and a citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen in minutes. They’re perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests — ready in just 30 minutes.

The fresh lemon zest adds a vibrant punch, while real raspberries create bursts of berry flavor. Each bite tastes like sunshine.

Whether you're baking for a party, a picnic, or just because — these Lemon Raspberry Cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. You’ll want to make these Lemon Raspberry Cookies on repeat.

Close-up of a bitten lemon raspberry cookies with drizzle and lemon zest

Why These Lemon Raspberry Cookies Are Simply Amazing

Lemon Raspberry Cookies blend tangy citrus with sweet berries in a way that never goes out of style. They’re especially perfect in spring and summer when raspberries are fresh and vibrant.

These cookies strike the perfect balance: elegant enough for parties, simple enough for everyday baking.

The secret? Fresh lemon zest and juice. That’s what gives these Lemon Raspberry Cookies their bright, deep flavor. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and bursting with a natural tartness that makes each bite feel refined.

Kids love them. Adults do too. The flavor is just that good.

Enjoy your Lemon Raspberry Cookies with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. Serve them solo or alongside other citrus treats — they’ll steal the show either way.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Lemon Raspberry Cookies
Recipe Variations
Storage
The Secret That Took My Lemon Raspberry Cookies from Good to Bakery-Worthy
FAQ
Ready to Bake the Ultimate Summer Treat?
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Wet Ingredients:

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Large egg
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract

Flavor Boosters:

Fresh lemon zest
Fresh raspberries
White chocolate chips (optional)

Flat lay of lemon raspberry cookie ingredients on a white counter

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Base

Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy
Beat in egg, lemon juice, vanilla, and fresh lemon zest until well combined

Mix the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined
Gently fold in fresh raspberries and white chocolate chips, being careful not to burst the berries

Bake to Perfection

Drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and just beginning to turn golden
Centers should look slightly underbaked
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack

Creamed butter with lemon zest and sugar in a white mixing bowl

Prepare Your Base: Visualizes butter, sugars, lemon zest, and egg/vanilla being creamed

Cookie dough with raspberries and white chocolate chips being folded in

Mix the Dough: Dough in process with raspberries added, homemade and slightly messy

Scooped lemon raspberry cookie dough on parchment-lined baking sheet

Bake to Perfection: Shows scooped dough on tray before baking, natural imperfections, overhead view

Equipment For Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Large mixing bowl for creaming butter and sugar
Electric mixer for light, fluffy texture (hand mixer works fine)
Cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies
Microplane grater for perfect lemon zest
Parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning
Wire cooling rack for proper cooling

Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture
Don't overbake - cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from oven
Use fresh lemon zest, not bottled - it makes a huge difference in flavor
If using frozen raspberries, don't thaw them first to prevent bleeding
Toss berries in flour before folding in to help them stay suspended in dough
Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Vegan: Use vegan butter and replace egg with flax egg
Keto-Friendly: Use erythritol instead of sugar and almond flour instead of regular flour
Flavor Twists: Add almond extract, raspberry jam, or lemon curd
Extra Special: Drizzle with lemon glaze after cooling
Different Berries: Try blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries instead

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Freezing Dough: Scoop dough, freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to bags
Make-Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking
Best Storage: Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking

The Secret That Took My Lemon Raspberry Cookies from Good to Bakery-Worthy

I’ll let you in on a little secret I learned from a pastry chef friend — and it changed everything about my Lemon Raspberry Cookies.

The trick? Letting the dough rest in the fridge. Yep, just a simple chill for 2 hours (or overnight if you have the patience). It allows the flour to fully hydrate and gives the lemon and raspberry flavors time to deepen and blend. The result? Cookies that are soft, thick, and bursting with bold, balanced flavor — like the ones you’d pay extra for at a boutique bakery.

Here’s another pro move: pull them out of the oven just before they look fully done. Let the residual heat finish the job. This gives your Lemon Raspberry Cookies those dreamy, chewy centers with lightly crisp edges.

Trust me — these two simple steps make all the difference.

FAQ

Why did my raspberry cookies turn green?

Lemon raspberry cookies turn green when the natural anthocyanins in raspberries react with baking soda in an alkaline environment. This color change is completely safe and edible. To prevent green cookies, reduce baking soda slightly or add a pinch of cream of tartar to balance the pH. The taste remains delicious despite the color change.

How to increase lemon flavor in cookies?

To boost lemon flavor in your lemon raspberry cookies, use fresh lemon zest from 3-4 lemons instead of 2, add an extra tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, or incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon extract. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it lacks the bright oils found in fresh lemons that create intense citrus flavor.

Is it better to use frozen or fresh raspberries in cookies?

Both fresh and frozen raspberries work excellently in lemon raspberry cookies. Fresh raspberries provide better shape retention and vibrant color, while frozen raspberries (used directly from freezer without thawing) prevent bleeding and spreading. For best results, gently toss either type in flour before folding into your cookie dough to prevent sinking.

Why are my raspberry cookies GREY?

Grey lemon raspberry cookies typically result from overmixing the dough after adding raspberries, causing the berries to break down and release their juices throughout the batter. This can also happen with overripe raspberries or if frozen berries were thawed first. Use gentle folding motions and avoid overmixing to maintain beautiful cookie appearance.

Ready to Bake the Ultimate Summer Treat?

These Lemon Raspberry Cookies are more than just a cookie — they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite. With their soft centers, golden edges, and vibrant flavor, they’re the kind of homemade treat that turns everyday moments into something special.

Whether you're baking for guests, gifting a batch to a friend, or just indulging yourself, this easy recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and chewy — no fuss, just flavor. And let’s be honest… the smell of Lemon Raspberry Cookies baking is half the magic.

Craving more fruity and decadent desserts? Don’t miss our Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies — rich, creamy, and packed with real strawberry flavor. Or if you're in the mood for something nostalgic and gooey, try our fan-favorite Gooey S’mores Cookies Recipe.

Have you made these Lemon Raspberry Cookies? Snap a photo, tag it on social media, and drop a rating below. Your feedback helps fellow cookie lovers find their next favorite treat — and we can’t wait to see your delicious results!

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