Name: Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup softened butter; 1 1/4 cups sugar; 3 egg yolks; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 cup lemon curd; 1/4 cup raspberry jam

If you’re craving a cookie bursting with bright citrus zing and juicy berry sweetness, this Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe is an absolute dream come true. These tender cookies feature a delicate balance of tart lemon curd and luscious raspberry jam swirled right into a buttery dough, giving you bursts of fresh flavor in every bite. They’re as lovely to look at as they are to eat, making them perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cozy cup of tea. Once you try these cookies, I promise they’ll become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a rough, crumbly white mixture that looks soft and fluffy, with two bright orange egg yolks sitting on top near the center-right. Below the yolks, there is a small amount of dark brown vanilla extract or similar liquid, contrasting with the pale texture around it. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and the image is bright with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, accessible ingredients are all you need to create something truly special. Each item plays a crucial role, combining to make these cookies irresistibly tender with just the right hint of tang and sweetness.

2 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour: The foundation for a soft, yet sturdy cookie.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a touch of tanginess and works with the baking soda for perfect leavening.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 cup softened butter: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
1 1/4 cups sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the lemon and raspberry.
3 egg yolks: Give the dough moisture and color, creating a tender bite.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the flavor.
1 tablespoon milk: Keeps the dough smooth and easy to work with.
1/4 cup lemon curd: The star ingredient that delivers bright, citrusy bursts.
1/4 cup raspberry jam: Adds jewel-like patches of fruity sweetness throughout.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for an easy cleanup and evenly baked cookies. Then, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This dry mix will give your cookies the perfect texture and subtle tang that sets them apart.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes if you’re using an electric hand mixer. This creaming process creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Milk

Next, beat in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and milk into your butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined. The egg yolks add richness and the vanilla brings out those warm, comforting flavor notes while the milk keeps the dough silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until all the flour is just incorporated. Make sure to scrap the bottom of the bowl to avoid any pesky flour lumps — you want a smooth cookie dough that’s easy to fold and shape.

Step 5: Incorporate Lemon Curd and Raspberry Jam

This is where the magic happens! Dollop half of the lemon curd and raspberry jam throughout the dough and gently fold it in using a rubber spatula. Flip the dough over and repeat the dolloping and folding with the remaining curd and jam, taking care not to overmix. You want those vibrant swirls visible so every cookie bursts with bright fruity flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough into generous 2-tablespoon balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set and have just a hint of golden brown around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe

The image shows six small round dough balls arranged in two vertical columns on a pink silicone baking mat. Each ball is rough in texture with an off-white base color and has small spots of red and golden brown mixed throughout. The dough balls look soft and slightly crumbly. The baking mat underneath is smooth and shiny with some faint embossed lettering visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a pretty finishing touch, dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a small dot of extra lemon curd or raspberry jam on top after baking. Fresh lemon zest or a few whole raspberries on the side can elevate your presentation and flavor profile, making them almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair incredibly well with a cup of hot tea, especially chamomile or green tea, which complement their delicate citrus and berry notes. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for some creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Lemon Raspberry Cookies on a pretty tiered tray at your next gathering or wrap a few in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for charming homemade gifts. You could even sandwich them with lemon curd or raspberry jam for a fancy twist that your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delightful for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet moment any time.

Freezing

If you want to save these for later, you can freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to munch.

Reheating

To revive the lovely soft texture of these cookies after storage, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300-degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and flavor like magic.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd and raspberry jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought versions is an easy way to save time and they work beautifully. Just choose high-quality spreads to get the best flavor in your cookies.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar on hand?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to maintain that slight tang and leavening power.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend made for baking, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly. Always check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Is it possible to make smaller cookies with this recipe?

Yes! Simply use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the cookies so they don’t overbake. Smaller cookies will be crispier at the edges and still soft inside.

How long do these Lemon Raspberry Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their freshness for about 4 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they’re still safe to eat but may lose their delicate softness.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyful about baking and sharing the vibrant flavors of this Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe. Its delightful balance of tangy lemon and sweet berries woven into a buttery soft cookie is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring smiles and sunshine to any moment. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen will thank you!