Gluten-Free & Vegan Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

My go to last minute dessert to bring to a gathering. Soft, sweet and simple. Living in the Portland metro many of my friends fall into the gluten-free or vegan category and these check both of those boxes.

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Gluten-free & Vegan Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Looking for a sweet treat that ticks all the boxes? Soft, irresistible, and with an interchangeable filling, these Gluten-Free Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are always a hit at a party.

Made with almond flour and maple syrup, these cookies boast a nutrient-rich profile without sacrificing flavor. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or our simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, put this recipe your back pocket for later.

Cookies on the fly

Ever need to whip up a last minute dessert? Cause I know I have. Especially living in the Portland area a lot of my friends are either vegan or gluten free so having a recipe that accommodates both is a bonus for me.

In the time it takes for your oven to preheat, you can have your cookie dough ready to go – it's that simple! Plus, for those who love a quicker alternative, and only need to bake off a few using the air fryer can cut the cooking time down significantly.

Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Yield: about 16 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Almond Flour

• ¼ cup Melted Coconut Oil

• ¼ cup Maple Syrup

• ¼ teaspoon Salt

• ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract

• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest

•  ¼ cup Raspberry Jam - look for jam without corn syrup or make your own!

Recipe Instructions: Quick, Easy, and Air Fryer-Friendly

Quick Dough Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven. While it warms up, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and speed. You'll find the dough ready to go in no time, possibly even before your oven is fully preheated. This makes it perfect for those spur-of-the-moment baking urges or when you're pressed for time but still want to enjoy homemade cookies.

Shape Your Cookies: Once your dough is ready, use a small portion scoop, form the dough into cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing the back of the portion scoop or your thumb into the center of the cookie to create a well for the jam. This step is quick and sets the stage for the flavorful jam filling.

Fill with Your Favorite Jam: This is where you can get creative! Fill the wells of each cookie with about a teaspoon of raspberry jam or any jam flavor of your preference. The versatility of this recipe means you can customize the cookies to suit your taste or to use up whatever jams you have on hand. Whether you're a fan of strawberry, apricot, or even blackcurrant jam, each will add its own unique twist to these delightful cookies.

Speedy Baking Options: For traditional oven users, bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden. If you're using an air fryer toaster oven, you'll be pleased to know that the baking time reduces to just 8 minutes at the same temperature. This quicker cooking method is a game-changer, ensuring you get to enjoy these delightful treats even sooner.

Pro Tip: Enhance the Lemon Flavor

Before you dive into mixing all your ingredients, consider this optional yet highly effective step to intensify the lemony goodness of your cookies. Massaging the lemon zest into the almond flour before adding the other ingredients can make a world of difference. Why? This simple action helps release the natural oils present in the lemon zest, significantly magnifying the lemon flavor throughout the cookies. It's a quick and easy first step that sets the foundation for a batch of cookies bursting with citrusy aroma and taste.

Not only does this tip enhance the flavor, but it also immerses you in the baking process, allowing you to connect with your ingredients on a sensory level. As you rub the zest into the flour, the kitchen fills with a fresh lemon scent, setting the perfect tone for a delightful baking experience. Remember, it's these small touches that transform good baking into great baking.

Gluten Free Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Recipe