Name: Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ to ¾ cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred); Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Imagine biting into a tender, buttery cookie that reveals a luscious, sweet raspberry jam center—this timeless classic delights both the eyes and the palate. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies merge simple ingredients with heartwarming flavors, perfect for cozy afternoons or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Each cookie’s soft texture and tart-sweet surprise make them a crowd favorite for snacking or sharing during festive occasions. Let’s bring this charming treat to your kitchen with an easy-to-follow, detailed guide.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The buttery dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that balances perfectly with the fruity jam fill.
Customizable jam options let you tailor sweets to your favorite flavors or seasonal fruits.
Simple steps and common pantry ingredients make this an accessible homemade treat for all skill levels.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: One cup of softened butter provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Half a cup of sugar adds subtle sweetness and helps the cookies brown evenly.
Large egg: One egg binds the dough together, contributing to a soft but sturdy cookie structure.
Vanilla extract: One teaspoon of vanilla enhances warmth and depth to the cookie’s buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour: Two cups of flour forms the foundation of the dough, giving it the perfect crumb and bite.
Salt: Half a teaspoon balances sweetness and intensifies the other ingredients’ flavors.
Raspberry jam: Half to three-quarters of a cup of raspberry jam fills the center with bright, fruity tang and sweetness.
Powdered sugar (optional): Dusting with powdered sugar adds a delicate, festive finish and extra sweetness.

Instructions

Beat Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This aeration creates a light texture, ensuring the cookies bake up tender and rich.
Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined. This step helps bind the dough and infuses it with warm aromatic notes that complement the raspberry jam perfectly.
Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and crumbly rather than tough.
Shape Into Balls and Make Indentations: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and arrange them spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into each ball’s center to create a well to hold the jam later.
Fill Centers With Raspberry Jam: Spoon raspberry jam carefully into each indentation, filling three-quarters full. This prevents overflow during baking and ensures a vibrant jam burst inside each cookie.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. This precise baking time delivers a soft center with a slightly crisp edge.
Cool Before Serving: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling prevents jam from spilling and lets the cookies set for perfect handling.

You Must Know

Using seedless jam can create a smoother filling, ideal for a refined texture.
Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
Powdered sugar dusting adds an attractive, sweet finish suitable for special occasions.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh up to five days.

Storage Tips

Keep your Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to five days, making them perfect for preparing in advance.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, ideal for afternoon snacking. They also make charming gifts when placed in decorative tins or wrapped with ribbon for holidays and celebrations.

Professional Tips

For an extra crisp edge, sprinkle a little sugar on the dough balls before baking.
If preferred, substitute half the butter with cream cheese for a slight tang and even more tender crumb.
Use a small melon baller or cookie scoop for uniform size and consistent baking.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam?: Absolutely! Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam make excellent alternatives and offer varied flavor profiles.
Should I chill the dough before baking?: Yes, chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes helps reduce spreading, resulting in thicker, more defined cookies.
How do I prevent the jam from overflowing?: Fill the thumbprint indentation only about three-quarters full; jam expands slightly while baking.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?: You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. Freeze baked cookies wrapped well, and thaw before serving for best texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?: Yes, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, adjusting as needed for dough consistency.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.