Soft Lemon Cookies

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Delights

Soft, gluten-free lemon cookies packed with raspberries and topped with a zesty glaze. Ready in 40 minutes, not counting the freeze time. Yields 11 big cookies. Vegan adaptable!
Mena
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:16:23 GMT
Soft Lemon Cookies Save
Soft Lemon Cookies | delishdocket.com

Sweet raspberries and tangy lemon blend perfectly in these soft, cloud-like cookies that remind you of a cool glass of raspberry lemonade. These allergen-free goodies have a nice little crunch from their lemon sugar coating, while staying soft and airy inside. The pretty raspberry glaze on top doesn't just look good—it adds another burst of fruity flavor that makes these cookies something really special.

When I found this recipe, it changed everything for me and my food allergies. The first batch I brought to a party left everyone shocked they weren't full of common allergens. I love how the natural raspberry color swirls through the dough, making these treats look as fantastic as they taste.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Gluten-free flour: Needs exact measuring—go with packed cups or weigh it for best outcomes
  • Fresh lemons: You'll need both the peel and juice; don't try using the bottled stuff
  • Frozen raspberries: They must be chopped well to avoid too much moisture
  • Room temperature butter: Gives your dough the right structure
  • Cornstarch mixture: Works in place of eggs to hold everything together

Baking Method Details

Flavor Your Sugar:
Mix fresh lemon zest into sugar to pump up the citrus taste.
Whip Your Base:
Beat butter and sugar until it's pale and fluffy for the right texture.
Mix Wet Stuff:
Add cornstarch mixture and milk bit by bit until everything's smooth.
Berry Folding:
Gently mix in your chopped frozen raspberries to get those pretty swirls.
Getting Cold:
Don't skip freezing the dough or your cookies will spread too much.
Quick Fixing:
As soon as they come out of the oven, shape your cookies into perfect circles.
Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe Save
Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe | delishdocket.com

I've learned so much working with gluten-free dough—it's all about being careful and exact. After trying tons of batches, I figured out that packing the flour cups tight and completely freezing the dough turned crumbly cookies into perfectly tender ones. These little tricks made all the difference.

Stunning Serving Ideas

Make these cookies look their best by putting them on a white plate with some fresh raspberries and lemon slices around them. The pink glaze makes pretty patterns that give each cookie its own look. For fancy times, try adding some edible flowers or candied lemon zest on top.

Fun Twists To Try

Switch things up by using blackberries or blueberries instead for totally different colors. Mix lemon and lime zest in your sugar coating for a more complex citrus kick. When you're celebrating something special, try adding a bit of edible glitter to your glaze to make them sparkle.

Keeping Them Fresh

Your cookies will stay yummy in a sealed container at room temp for about five days. Put wax paper between layers so the glaze doesn't get messed up. If you want to save them longer, freeze the cookies without glaze for up to three months, then thaw and add fresh glaze when you're ready to eat them.

These lemon raspberry cookies have become my go-to treat for events where people have food allergies. They show that you don't need to give up on amazing flavors or pretty desserts just because of dietary needs. I love how the natural marbling and pink glaze turns each cookie into a little masterpiece that brings smiles to everyone who tries them.

Close-up Lemon Raspberry Cookies Save
Close-up Lemon Raspberry Cookies | delishdocket.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Do I need to freeze the dough?
Yes, it really matters. One hour in the freezer ensures the cookies don't spread too much. The fridge won't cut it.
→ Can fresh raspberries replace frozen ones?
Nope, fresh berries will make the dough too wet. Stick to frozen!
→ How should I store leftovers?
Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Glaze first!
→ Can these be made smaller?
Sure thing! Use a smaller scoop and adjust baking time to 13-14 minutes.
→ Can I swap gluten-free flour for regular?
Absolutely! Use two packed cups (336g) of all-purpose flour, just remember chilling is still key.

Lemon Raspberry Cookies

Light and chewy lemon cookies meet raspberry swirls and a tangy glaze. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly for everyone to love!

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Mena

Category: Desserts & Baking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 11 Servings (11 jumbo cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Cookie Dough

01 1½ teaspoons baking powder
02 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
03 2 cups gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum
04 ½ cup softened unsalted butter or vegan baking stick
05 1¼ cups white sugar
06 3 tablespoons milk
07 2 generous tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
08 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
09 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
10 ½ cup chopped frozen raspberries

→ Lemon Sugar Coating

11 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
12 3 tablespoons white sugar

→ Raspberry Glaze

13 1 cup powdered sugar
14 1-2 frozen raspberries
15 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon water

Steps

Step 01

Grate the zest from 3 lemons and set it aside covered so it stays fresh. Juice 1 lemon to get about 2 tablespoons, and keep juice and zest apart.

Step 02

Dice up your frozen raspberries into chunky pieces—don’t make them too small. Freeze them again until you need them.

Step 03

Cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in the cornstarch mix, milk, lemon zest, and juice. Slowly add flour mixture, then gently fold in the frozen raspberry pieces.

Step 04

Cover your dough and freeze it for at least an hour; this step is key for stopping the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 05

Form into balls, cover them in the lemon-and-sugar mixture, and set them on a parchment-lined tray. Bake at 325°F for around 15-16 minutes.

Step 06

Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle on raspberry glaze and sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest on top if you'd like.

Notes

  1. To make these cookies vegan, just use dairy-free substitutes and vegan sugar.
  2. Store unbaked dough balls in the freezer between baking to get the best texture.

Required Tools

  • Mixer with a paddle blade
  • Big ice cream scoop
  • Cookie sheets
  • Baking paper
  • Zest grater or microplane

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • May contain dairy (if butter is used)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 297
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbs: 54 g
  • Proteins: 3 g