Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Delightfully buttery and bursting with vibrant fruit flavor, Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are the kind of treat that brings instant nostalgia and big smiles. These cookies feature a soft, tender base cradling a dollop of sweet-tart raspberry jam, all finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, a special afternoon with friends, or simply to brighten up an ordinary day, these cookies are a feel-good classic you’ll want to keep in your kitchen repertoire!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies really shines through thanks to this handful of simple, staple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating irresistibly tender texture and that signature burst of berry in every bite!

• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavor base, so always use high-quality butter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it bake up with those just-right, golden edges.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the dough taste bakery-fresh and extra comforting.
• All-purpose flour: Creates soft, sturdy cookies that hold their thumbprint shape while staying tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Raspberry jam or preserves: The heart of the cookie; provides vibrant color and big fruity punch—seedless is extra smooth, but both work beautifully.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For a picture-perfect finish and a hint of melt-in-your-mouth sweetness on top.

How to Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking or over-browning on the bottoms. Taking this simple step ensures perfect Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies every single time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. You want the mixture to turn light in color and fluffy in texture—an electric mixer helps make this faster, but elbow grease and a sturdy spoon work, too! This creaming step is key to creating the cookies’ tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract, which instantly perfumes the dough and enhances the other flavors. Just a teaspoon brings cozy notes that pair so well with the jammy centers.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Gradually add in the flour and salt, blending just until the dough begins to come together. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that isn’t over-mixed—this keeps your Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies from turning tough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls (a small cookie scoop or tablespoon works great) and gently roll between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each for spreading.

Step 6: Make the Thumbprints

Gently press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each dough ball, creating a well for the jam. Don’t press too hard—you want an indentation, but not a broken or flat cookie.

Step 7: Fill with Raspberry Jam

Using about half a teaspoon per cookie, fill each indent with raspberry jam. Be careful not to overfill; just enough to settle in the well. The jam will spread slightly as the cookies bake, creating that signature jewel-like center.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning a delicate golden brown. The cookies will still be soft when you take them out, so let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them a light dusting of powdered sugar if you like. This final touch adds a charming, snowy finish and a touch of extra sweetness—especially lovely for holidays or special occasions!

How to Serve Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Garnishes

Get festive with your Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies by sprinkling them with powdered sugar, drizzling a bit of white chocolate over the tops, or even adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or freeze-dried raspberries for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are splendid on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, creamy coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a homemade dessert platter, serve alongside chocolate truffles or lemon bars for a bright, celebratory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies in rustic bakery boxes tied with twine for thoughtful gifts, or arrange them in a circle on a vintage cake stand for an elegant tea party centerpiece. At the holidays, try alternating jam flavors for a vibrant, eye-catching tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold their soft, buttery texture for about five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze fully baked, cooled cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to three months. For the best results, thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are delicious at room temp, but if you love a warm treat, pop a few in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes. This revives the buttery crumb and brings out the aroma of the vanilla and jam for a just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of jam?

Absolutely! While the tartness of raspberry is a classic, you can substitute with apricot, strawberry, or even blackberry jam for a twist. Try mixing and matching for colorful cookie platters.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t required, but if you want a firmer, more defined thumbprint or your kitchen is warm, a quick 20-minute chill in the fridge helps the cookies hold their shape even better in the oven.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can substitute salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half. This keeps the flavor balanced and ensures the cookies don’t become overly salty.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Over-softened butter or skipping the chill time can cause more spreading. Make sure your butter is just at room temperature, and if your dough seems too sticky, 20 minutes in the fridge works wonders!

Can I double the Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up for bigger gatherings. Just use larger bowls and bake in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the baking sheets so the cookies bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you love a cookie that’s both simple and spectacular, you’ll be smitten with these Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies. Treat yourself—or someone you love—to a tray of homemade delights and watch them disappear before your eyes!

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