Name: Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature; 150 g granulated sugar; Zest of 1 large lemon; 1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 220 g all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp kosher salt (Morton’s); Raspberry jam or preserves, approximately 1/2 tablespoon per cookie sandwich; Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you love the bright zing of citrus paired with sweet berries, the Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delicate lemon cutout sugar cookies are perfectly tender and infused with fresh lemon zest, while a luscious layer of raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering surprise in every bite. This charming sandwich cookie not only dazzles the eyes with its heart-shaped design but also combines flavors that will have you reaching for one more. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe is simplicity and elegance rolled into one delightful package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black baking tray lined with white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are eight heart-shaped dough pieces arranged in two columns and four rows. The left column has solid heart-shaped dough pieces with a light beige color and a slightly rough texture, while the right column has heart-shaped dough pieces with smaller heart-shaped holes in the center. All dough pieces have scalloped edges and a soft, uncooked appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from creating the light, buttery cookie base to delivering the tangy-sweet perfection of the raspberry filling.

113 g unsalted butter, room temp: Provides a rich, creamy foundation that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
150 g granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
Zest of 1 large lemon: Adds fragrant citrus notes that brighten every bite.
1 large egg (50 grams, room temp): Binds the ingredients and lends structure to the dough.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds subtle warmth to the cookies.
220 g all-purpose flour: The main structure agent, giving cookies their shape and crumb.
1/4 tsp kosher salt (Morton’s): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
Raspberry jam or preserves: The luscious filling that brings a natural fruity tang to the sandwich.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a light dusting that adds visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

Start by creaming the softened butter, granulated sugar, and the zest of one large lemon together on medium-low speed for 1 to 2 minutes. This step wakes up the lemon oils and infuses the butter mixture with a lively, fresh citrus aroma that sets the stage for the cookie’s signature flavor.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in vanilla extract to add warmth and depth. Then, combine your all-purpose flour and kosher salt in a bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three separate additions, mixing well after each to ensure even distribution without overworking the dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Lightly whisk the room-temperature egg and add it in two portions. This gentle mixing helps maintain the dough’s tenderness while helping it bind perfectly for rolling.

Step 4: Roll Out and Chill the Dough

Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thick, or just a bit thicker for ideal texture. Using parchment keeps clean-up easy and helps avoid sticking. Once rolled, place the dough on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm it up and make cutting shapes easier.

Step 5: Cut and Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a heart-shaped cutter (about 2 1/2 inches across) to cut out full cookies and matching ones with a heart center for sandwich tops. Chill the cut cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes before baking. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye so they remain light and not overly golden for the best texture.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Once cooled, flip half of your solid heart cookies right side up, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of raspberry jam near the edges, then gently press the cutout cookies on top. If you want to add a little finesse, dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty, delicate finish that’s sure to charm anyone who sees them.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe

A group of heart-shaped sandwich cookies are shown stacked on a round black wire cooling rack set on a surface with white marbled texture. Each cookie has two layers of light golden brown dough with scalloped edges, filled with a visible red jam layer in the middle. The top cookie layer has a small heart-shaped cutout, revealing the bright red jam inside. The cookies are dusted with a light white powdered sugar on top. In the background, there is a small black bowl filled with powdered sugar, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and makes your Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe look extra festive and inviting. Fresh lemon zest or a few whole raspberries on the side can add a lovely fresh contrast when serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these beautiful sandwich cookies with a comforting cup of tea or a bright glass of sparkling lemonade to highlight the lemon and raspberry notes. They also make a charming companion to a simple vanilla ice cream scoop or whipped cream dessert for a more indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine stacking these cookies on a tiered stand for a garden party or packaging them in cute kraft paper boxes tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon as gifts. For celebrations, add edible flowers around the serving tray or sprinkle extra freeze-dried raspberry powder on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week. Note that due to the jam, the cookies naturally soften slightly after the first day, which many find adds to their charm and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies before assembling, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag, for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before adding jam and assembling to preserve their fresh texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer the cookies warm, gently heat assembled cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes, or briefly in the microwave at low power. This warms the jam slightly and brings out the lemon aroma beautifully, making them feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use a different jam besides raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam pairs perfectly with lemon, feel free to experiment with strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam to give the cookies a new twist that suits your taste buds.

What if I don’t have parchment paper for rolling?

You can lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin instead to prevent sticking, but parchment paper really helps achieve even thickness and makes transferring the dough easier.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

The recipe is very flexible. You can easily double it for a bigger batch or halve it if you want fewer cookies. Just keep the proportions consistent and the baking time similar, adjusting a few minutes if cookies are larger or smaller.

Why do the cookies soften after a day?

The moisture in the raspberry jam gradually seeps into the cookies, softening their texture. It’s not a flaw but a lovely characteristic that makes the cookies meltier and even more enjoyable.

Can I use frozen lemon zest or other citrus zest?

Fresh lemon zest provides the best vibrant flavor, but if needed, you can use frozen. Just be sure it’s well-defrosted to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a true gem that brings together the freshness of lemon and the sweetness of raspberries in a beautiful, tender cookie sandwich. Whether you bake them for a special occasion, a gift, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite. I promise, once you try making them, you’ll want to share this charming recipe again and again with everyone you know.