I absolutely love how these Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe turn out — they’re the perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and sweet raspberry with a tender crumb you never expect from allergy-friendly treats. When I first tried making gluten-free, dairy-free cookies that actually tasted like something special, this recipe won me over entirely. It’s wonderful for when you want a fresh, bright cookie that feels like a little celebration in every bite.
You’ll find that these cookies work beautifully for afternoon tea, summer picnics, or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, the raspberry lemon glaze on top adds that gorgeous glossy finish that makes them look just as amazing as they taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Allergy-Friendly Treat: This gluten-free & dairy-free cookie doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combo of lemon zest and raspberry yogurt glaze gives it a refreshing zing you’ll crave.
- Easy & Quick: You can whip up the dough in about 15 minutes and have cookies ready in no time.
- Great for Sharing: Whether it’s family, friends, or coworkers, these cookies always get rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to create a cookie that’s light yet satisfying, with a tender crumb and just the right sweetness. Each element gives you a specific texture, flavor, or allergen-friendly bonus — making this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe both simple and special.
- Super fine almond flour: Provides a moist, flavorful base; I recommend sifting it for a smooth batter.
- Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture to keep the cookies tender but not dense.
- Tapioca starch: Adds a slight chewiness and improves texture.
- Baking soda: Essential for a light rise and crumb.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates overall flavor.
- Butter (regular or vegan): Melted to blend easily and impart richness.
- Plant-based raspberry blend yogurt: Adds moisture and fruity flavor without dairy — I love using Siggi’s plant-based version.
- Coconut sugar: A less processed sweetener that imparts a subtle caramel note.
- Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best.
- Lemon zest and juice: The zest delivers aromatic oils, while the juice adds fresh tang.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, warm touch.
- For the frosting: Raspberry yogurt, lemon juice, honey, crushed freeze dried raspberries, and lemon zest – these create a vibrant glaze that lightly sweetens and decorates the cookies.
Variations
I love playing around with this basic Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the glaze — customization is part of the fun!
- Variation: Try swapping coconut sugar for maple syrup for a different natural sweetness; I like this especially in fall.
- Variation: Mix in fresh or freeze-dried blueberries instead of raspberries for a seasonal twist my family enjoys.
- Variation: Use dairy-free cream cheese frosting instead of the yogurt glaze for a creamier topping that still pairs with lemon zest.
- Variation: For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour, but note the texture will be slightly different.
How to Make Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients Carefully
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper — this saves cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. Taking care to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt really helps with consistent rise and flavor in the cookies.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Until Smooth
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, plant-based raspberry yogurt, coconut sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until everything is perfectly smooth — this helps incorporate the sugar and zest for full flavor.
Step 3: Form the Dough and Shape the Cookies
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently with a spatula until a soft dough forms. I used to overmix here and the cookies got tough, so just fold gently until combined. Next, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie — this recipe makes 16 — roll into balls, then flatten slightly with your hands to get that classic cookie shape.
Step 4: Bake and Prepare the Raspberry Lemon Glaze
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center — they’ll firm up as they cool. While they bake, mix together the raspberry yogurt, fresh lemon juice, honey, and crushed freeze-dried raspberries to create a fresh, tangy glaze. It’s the finishing touch that truly elevates the Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe.
Step 5: Glaze and Cool
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of the glaze on top and sprinkle extra lemon zest to brighten it up. I learned that glazing warm cookies makes the icing melt off, so patience definitely pays here. Store the cookies in the refrigerator — they stay fresh for up to five days.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
- Choose Fine Almond Flour: I found that superfine almond flour gives cookies a lighter, less grainy texture.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps cookies tender rather than dense or tough.
- Cool Cookies Before Glazing: Warm cookies make the glaze slide off, so cool completely for best results.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking without adding extra fat and promotes even baking.
How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and some extra crushed freeze-dried raspberries — these little pops of color and flavor really make the cookies feel like a special treat. Sometimes I add a few fresh raspberries on the side if I have them on hand.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a light herbal tea or my favorite turmeric latte for a cozy afternoon snack. If you’re serving brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a pretty platter lined with lemon leaves or edible flowers to highlight the fresh citrus theme. You can even drizzle extra glaze across the platter for a dreamy, glossy look that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe stored in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled also helps the glaze maintain its lovely texture.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works well, especially if you want to prep ahead for a crowd. I freeze unglazed cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh glaze on top for that perfect finish.
Reheating
If you want a warm cookie, I recommend reheating gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or popping a single cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds — this softens without melting the glaze too much.
FAQs
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Can I make these Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative. The plant-based raspberry yogurt keeps it dairy-free already, so this swap maintains the cookie’s texture and flavor.
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What if I don’t have tapioca starch?
You can substitute tapioca starch with arrowroot powder or cornstarch in equal amounts. They’ll all help with the cookie’s chewiness and moisture retention, keeping that perfect bite you’re after in the Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe.
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How do I prevent the cookies from being too dry?
Be careful not to overbake; check the cookies at 10 minutes and remove once they’re lightly golden but still soft in the center. Also, don’t skip using the plant-based yogurt and butter, as these add essential moisture that keeps the cookies tender.
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried for the glaze?
You can, but fresh raspberries may add more moisture and make the glaze runnier. Freeze-dried raspberries give a concentrated flavor and nice texture contrast, which I prefer for the glaze on these Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it bridges delicious flavor with mindful ingredient choices beautifully. I love sharing these with friends who think gluten-free or dairy-free means sacrificing taste — they’re always surprised at how fresh, tender, and satisfying these cookies are. I’m certain you’ll enjoy baking and eating them as much as I do, so go ahead and make a batch today — you’ll thank yourself for it!
PrintRaspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies are a delightful gluten-free and dairy-free treat that balances the tartness of raspberry and lemon with a soft, tender crumb. Made with almond and coconut flours, tapioca starch, and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, these cookies are topped with a tangy raspberry lemon glaze that’s both fresh and flavorful. Perfect for those seeking a wholesome, allergen-friendly dessert with a vibrant citrus burst.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup super fine almond flour
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter (regular or vegan), melted
- 1/4 cup Siggi’s plant-based raspberry blend
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/3 cup Siggi’s plant-based raspberry blend
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 2-3 tbsp crushed freeze dried raspberries
- Lemon zest, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Siggi’s plant-based raspberry blend, coconut sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be soft but manageable.
- Shape Cookies: Using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie, scoop portions of the dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball with your hand to shape the cookies. This recipe yields about 16 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies bake, mix together the plant-based raspberry blend, lemon juice, honey, and crushed freeze-dried raspberries until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Cool and Frost: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or drizzle the raspberry lemon glaze over each cookie. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra fresh burst of flavor.
- Store Properly: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Notes
- Use super fine almond flour for a smoother texture in the cookies.
- If you prefer vegan options, use vegan butter and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for the frosting.
- For best results, ensure cookies are completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Freeze dried raspberries add a nice texture and concentrated raspberry flavor to the frosting.
- Cookies can be slightly flattened according to personal preference for thickness and chewiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg