I absolutely love how these Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe turn out — they’re tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. Whenever I’m craving a bright, fresh cookie that doesn’t weigh me down, this recipe is my go-to. Plus, it’s fantastic for anyone avoiding gluten or dairy but still wanting a homemade treat that feels indulgent.
When I first tried this recipe, I instantly appreciated how the almond and coconut flours worked together for a lovely crumbly texture, while the raspberry lemon combo adds that refreshing zing you can’t get enough of. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a special occasion, you’ll find that these cookies impress with their vibrant flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Perfectly suited for special diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of raspberry and lemon adds a delightful zing you won’t find in everyday cookies.
- Simple Baking Process: Straightforward steps that you can easily follow even if you’re not a baking pro.
- Moist & Tender Texture: Thanks to the yogurt and almond flour, these cookies stay soft and satisfying every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture for this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe. From nutty flours to tangy plant-based yogurt, these elements come together beautifully.
- Super fine almond flour: Provides a moist crumb and natural nuttiness that’s key to gluten-free baking.
- Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture well and adds a slight sweetness while helping with structure.
- Tapioca starch: Helps bind everything together for a chewy, tender bite.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a little lift and keeps them light.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (regular or vegan): Melts into the dough for richness and tenderness, choose your favorite type.
- Siggi’s plant-based raspberry blend: Adds that signature raspberry flavor and moisture without dairy.
- Coconut sugar: Imparts a subtle caramel note while keeping it natural.
- Eggs: Help bind all the ingredients while contributing to the soft texture.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice: Bring bright citrus notes that perfectly complement the raspberries.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm sweetness.
Variations
I love encouraging you to make this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe your own by trying a few simple tweaks. Whether it’s swapping ingredients or adjusting flavors, a little personal touch goes a long way.
- Berry Swap: I once replaced raspberries with blueberries for a different but equally delightful berry burst.
- Nut-Free Option: Using sunflower seed flour works if you need a nut-free version—it’s a fun experiment I’ve tried with good results.
- Sweetener Substitute: Maple syrup or agave can stand in for coconut sugar if you want a liquid sweetener and a slight twist in flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use vegan butter—these adjustments keep the cookies just as soft and tasty.
How to Make Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Dry Ingredients Ready
Start by mixing the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt in a large bowl. This blend forms the base that will give your cookies a tender yet sturdy texture. I like to whisk these dry ingredients first to ensure everything is evenly combined before adding the wet ingredients—this simple step really helps avoid lumps down the road.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, plant-based raspberry yogurt, coconut sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. When I first made this, I found mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly makes incorporating them into the dry mix so much easier, preventing any clumps or dry spots in the dough.
Step 3: Combine and Form the Cookie Dough
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and stir until a soft dough forms. It’ll feel a bit sticky but not overly wet. If your dough seems too crumbly or dry, adding an extra tablespoon of the plant-based yogurt can help—this was a trick I discovered to keep the cookies moist without messing with the balance.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into roughly 1.5-tablespoon balls—this recipe yields about 16 cookies. I like to gently flatten each ball with my hands to create a nice, even shape. Bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just turning golden but the centers stay soft—avoid overbaking to keep that tender crumb we all love.
Step 5: Prepare the Raspberry Lemon Glaze
While the cookies bake, whisk together the plant-based raspberry yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and crushed freeze-dried raspberries to make the glaze. This glaze is the magic touch that adds extra zing and pretty color. When the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for that vibrant pop.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
- Use Super Fine Almond Flour: Coarser almond flour can make the cookies grainy—super fine makes a much softer texture.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest brightens up the entire flavor, so fresh zest is a must-have in this recipe.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, a quick 20-minute chill in the fridge can make shaping easier.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying glaze on warm cookies will cause it to melt off—patience here pays off with neat results.
How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a little extra lemon zest over the glaze—it really brings out that fresh citrus punch. Sometimes I also sprinkle a few freeze-dried raspberry bits on top for an added crunch and vibrant look. These simple garnishes make the cookies feel special and fresh every time.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot green tea or a chilled glass of almond milk. I often serve them alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of mixed nuts for a little textural contrast, making for a delightful snack or light dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party or gift-giving occasion, I’ve arranged these cookies in pastel-colored boxes with a lemon leaf for decoration. Another creative idea is stacking and wrapping them with twine alongside a small jar of the raspberry glaze for dipping—your friends will love this thoughtful touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to five days. Keeping them chilled helps the glaze stay firm and maintains that tender texture I adore. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookies successfully—just pop the baked, cooled cookies (without glaze) into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze fresh for the best flavor and texture. This trick saves me so much time when I want a quick treat on busy days.
Reheating
If you want to reheat leftovers, I warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or so—this refreshes their softness beautifully. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the texture. Reapply a bit of glaze if you like, and you’ll have cookies tasting freshly baked again!
FAQs
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Can I substitute the plant-based yogurt with regular yogurt?
Absolutely! You can swap in dairy yogurt if you’re not dairy-free. Just be sure it’s thick yogurt to avoid making the dough too wet. Greek yogurt works particularly well and maintains the same tangy flavor that complements the lemon and raspberry.
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What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberries for the glaze?
If freeze-dried raspberries aren’t on hand, you can finely chop fresh or frozen raspberries instead, but keep in mind it may make the glaze a bit wetter. Alternatively, a sprinkle of fresh raspberries on top after glazing is a lovely option too.
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How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), use vegan butter, and be sure your plant-based yogurt is vegan-friendly. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste amazing.
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Can I use a different flour?
The almond and coconut flour combo is key for the texture and flavor here. Using all almond flour may work but could make the cookies denser. Substituting other gluten-free flours might require adjusting moisture levels, so start with small batches if you want to experiment.
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How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days. They’re best enjoyed within this window for optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I keep coming back to this Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) Recipe not only because it’s delicious but because it’s approachable and versatile. Whether I’m baking a batch for my family’s afternoon treat or prepping cookies for friends who need gluten-free options, this recipe always gets rave reviews. I really hope you give it a try — it’s like sharing a little sunshine through cookies, and I promise you won’t regret 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 combining the tartness of lemon and raspberry with a soft, tender texture. Made with almond and coconut flours, these cookies are flavored naturally with lemon zest and juice, providing a fresh and vibrant taste. A luscious plant-based raspberry yogurt glaze topped with freeze-dried raspberries and lemon zest adds a beautiful finishing touch. Perfect for a healthy snack or a sweet dessert, these cookies are simple to make and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
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 yogurt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1/3 cup Siggi’s plant-based raspberry blend yogurt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 2-3 tbsp crushed freeze dried raspberries
- Lemon zest, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat 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 easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the super fine almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. This creates a well-distributed dry base for the dough.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, plant-based raspberry yogurt, coconut sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. The dough should be pliable enough to scoop and shape.
- Scoop and shape cookies: Scoop out approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie to make about 16 cookies. Shape each ball gently with your hands and slightly flatten them to form cookie rounds.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cookies bake, mix together the plant-based raspberry yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and crushed freeze-dried raspberries until well combined for a flavorful glaze.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, top each cookie with the raspberry-lemon glaze and sprinkle with additional lemon zest for a burst of citrus aroma and color.
- Storage: Store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and maintain the integrity of the glaze.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegan butter and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the frosting.
- Ensure the almond flour is superfine for best texture and to avoid graininess.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried raspberries, finely chop dried raspberries or omit them in the glaze.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- These cookies are best stored refrigerated because of the yogurt glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg