Thumbprint Cookies Raspberry Preserves have a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of butter and sweet raspberries would fill the air as she patiently filled each little cookie crater. I’ve always loved how the tender, buttery cookie perfectly complements the bright, slightly tart raspberry jam. Learning how to make thumbprint cookies raspberry was a treasured kitchen lesson, and now I can share that same joy with you. These thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam are simple to make and absolutely delightful. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
- The perfect balance of buttery cookie and sweet-tart raspberry jam.
- Ready in under an hour, making them easy raspberry thumbprint cookies for any day.
- A classic treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
- Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together – they’ll love filling the centers!
- These delicious raspberry thumbprint cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just because.
- A delightful texture combination of tender cookie and gooey jam.
Ingredients for Homemade Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making classic raspberry thumbprint cookies. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this is crucial for a tender cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for that perfect sweetness.
- 1 large egg yolk – it adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a little vanilla goes a long way for flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the butter flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie structure.
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves – make sure it’s a good quality jam for the best flavor burst.
These simple components come together to create the delicious thumbprint cookies raspberry preserves you’re looking for.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all levels. Follow these steps for a batch of simple raspberry thumbprint cookies.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for your thumbprint cookie recipe raspberry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the tender base for our cookies.
- Step 3: Beat in the 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The egg yolk adds richness, while the vanilla provides a lovely aroma and flavor.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix will form the cookie dough.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender dough for our thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam.
- Step 6: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Use your thumb or the end of a small spoon to create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 8: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your 1/2 cup raspberry preserves. Don’t overfill, or it might spill out while baking.
- Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft.
- Step 10: Let the raspberry thumbprint cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them.
- Step 11: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Elevating these classic cookies is all about a few simple tricks. These tips will ensure your homemade treats are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Use chilled dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes. This makes shaping easier and prevents spreading.
- Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden, not dark brown, for that perfect tender cookie.
- Jam consistency matters: Use a thick raspberry preserves or jam. If it’s too runny, it can spread too much and make the cookies soggy.
- Cool completely before storing: Warm cookies can steam and become soft or gummy in an airtight container.
What’s the secret to perfect thumbprint cookies raspberry filling?
The real secret is the “panade” effect. Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the dough creates a super moist cookie. For a twist, try a raspberry chip mixture inside the jam for added texture!
Can I make thumbprint cookies raspberry swirl ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the dough balls and create the indentations a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. Fill with jam just before baking for the best results. For more baking tips, you can check out our baking tips.
How do I avoid common mistakes with soft raspberry thumbprint cookies?
Avoid overmixing the dough, as this develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Also, don’t overfill the indentations with jam; a little goes a long way to prevent leakage during baking. Learn more about baking best practices.
Best Ways to Serve Thumbprint Cookies Raspberry Preserves
These delightful cookies are versatile and perfect for so many occasions. I love serving them with a simple glass of milk for a classic afternoon treat. For a more elegant touch, pair them with a cup of hot tea or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which complements the tartness of the raspberry filling beautifully. These chewy raspberry thumbprint cookies also make a fantastic addition to any cookie platter, offering a burst of fruity flavor alongside richer chocolate or spiced cookies. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser, whether enjoyed solo or as part of a larger dessert spread. You can find more serving suggestions on our homepage.
Nutrition Facts for Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for each of these delightful cookies. This can help you understand what you’re enjoying with every bite. For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can refer to the USDA FoodData Central.
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Thumbprint Cookies Raspberry Jam Recipe
Proper storage is key to keeping these delightful cookies fresh and delicious. Once your thumbprint cookies raspberry jam recipe creations have completely cooled on a wire rack, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them for longer, you can freeze them! Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to bring back that bakery-fresh taste and aroma. Please review our terms of use for storage guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies From Scratch
What are raspberry thumbprint cookies?
These are classic butter cookies with a signature indentation in the center, lovingly filled with sweet and slightly tart raspberry preserves. They’re a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect for holidays or any time you crave a homemade cookie. They offer a lovely contrast between the tender cookie and the fruity jam.
Can I use other types of jam or preserves?
Absolutely! While raspberry is traditional and delicious, feel free to experiment. Apricot, strawberry, or even a mixed berry jam works wonderfully. Just ensure the preserves are thick enough not to run out during baking. Some people even add a tiny bit of lemon zest to their jam for an extra zing. For more recipe ideas, visit our contact page.
How do I get the perfect thumbprint indentation without cracking the cookie?
The key is to make the indentations *before* baking. Use your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon, but don’t press all the way through the dough. A gentle, steady pressure is all you need. Chilling the dough slightly can also make it less prone to cracking.
Why did my thumbprint cookies spread so much?
Cookie spread is often due to the butter being too soft or the dough being overmixed. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, avoid overworking the dough once the flour is added. Chilling the shaped cookie balls for about 15-20 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading. For more information on ingredient handling, see our affiliate disclaimer.
Variations of Thumbprint Cookies Raspberry Filling You Can Try
While the classic thumbprint cookies raspberry preserves are divine, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a delightful flavor twist, try a thumbprint cookies raspberry swirl by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to your jam before filling the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. For a richer cookie, you could even try a chocolate variation by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and topping the jam with a chocolate drizzle after baking. These small changes can lead to exciting new takes on a beloved cookie!
PrintThumbprint Cookies Raspberry Preserves: 120 Delicious
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these charming Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Preserves, featuring a buttery cookie cradling a burst of sweet-tart raspberry jam. This recipe offers a delightful balance of tender crumb and fruity flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a dough for your thumbprint cookies raspberry preserves.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the raspberry thumbprint cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Adjust the amount of raspberry preserves to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg