Valentine’s Day calls for something special, and these Ombré Raspberry Lemon Sugar Cookies are just the treat to make the occasion even sweeter! These heart-shaped cookies, decorated with beautiful pink and yellow frosting, create a visually stunning ombré effect. The combination of tart raspberry and zesty lemon flavors adds a refreshing twist to traditional sugar cookies, making them an irresistible delight. Perfect for a festive dessert table or a heartfelt homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress your loved ones!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp raspberry extract
½ tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Ombré Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp raspberry extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Pink and yellow food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, raspberry extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Ombré Frosting
11. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, raspberry extract, and butter until smooth.
12. Divide the frosting into two bowls: tint one with pink food coloring and the other with yellow.
Step 4: Decorate the Cookies
13. Using a small offset spatula or piping bags, apply a gradient of pink and yellow frosting to each cookie, blending where the colors meet to create an ombré effect.
14. Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Baking Pro Tips
For extra soft cookies, don’t overbake! Remove them from the oven when the edges just begin to turn golden.
Chilling the dough is crucial—it helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Blend the pink and yellow frosting gently for a seamless ombré effect.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant shades without altering the frosting’s consistency.
These Ombré Raspberry Lemon Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes! Whether you’re sharing them with a special someone or treating yourself, their bright colors and refreshing flavors make them a standout Valentine’s Day treat. Pair them with chocolate chip or red velvet cookies for a beautiful holiday platter. Enjoy spreading the love, one cookie at a time!