Lemon Raspberry Cookies
Bright, tangy lemon cookies filled with fresh raspberry jam for a soft, bakery-style treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Yield: about 24 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seeded or smooth, your choice)
- 1 cup powdered sugar for optional glaze
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice for optional glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. If dough feels too sticky, chill for 10 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For an optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Quick Tips
- Use cold jam for cleaner wells and less spreading.
- Swap fresh lemon zest for preserved lemon zest if using year-round.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
