Description
These Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring natural raspberry flavor and vibrant pink color from freeze-dried raspberries. Perfectly soft in the center with a lightly crisp edge, they offer a fruity sweetness and a tender texture that’s irresistible. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, these cookies are simple to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Flavoring
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried raspberries, crushed into powder
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling the dough balls
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Raspberry Powder: Stir in the crushed freeze-dried raspberry powder to infuse the dough with natural fruity flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until all flour is incorporated to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Scoop the dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to add a sweet, slightly crunchy coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Freeze-dried raspberries provide natural raspberry flavor and color without introducing moisture, which helps maintain the cookie’s texture. Avoid substituting with fresh or frozen raspberries.
- For an extra special treat, consider adding white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet contrast to the raspberry flavor.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture; remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft.