Dreamy Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery raspberry almond shortbread thumbprint cookies promise a delightful twist on classic bakery treats.

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through this simple recipe.

Delicate almond notes complement the bright raspberry jam centers, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Crisp shortbread crumbles gently with each bite, melting in your mouth.

These elegant cookies look impressive yet come together with minimal effort.

Sprinkle some powdered sugar for a finishing touch that makes them shine.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear before your eyes.

What Makes Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Memorable

• Perfect for bakers seeking a simple yet elegant cookie that requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or gifting- these cookies impress without complicated techniques.
• Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them an excellent weekend baking project that kids can help prepare and enjoy together.
• Switch raspberry jam for other fruity preserves like apricot or strawberry to match personal taste preferences or seasonal availability.

What You’ll Need for Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base with sweet flavor, use unsalted butter at room temperature for best texture.
• Flour, Salt: Essential dry ingredients for cookie structure, all-purpose flour recommended.
• Almond Extract: Provides rich almond flavor, high-quality extract preferred.

• Raspberry Jam: Sweet fruity center, use seedless jam for smooth finish.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates smooth glaze, adjust consistency as needed.

• Almond Extract (Glaze): Enhances almond flavor, pure extract gives best results.

Bake Raspberry Almond Cookies with Confidence

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Splash in the almond extract. Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough comes together.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Delights

Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 inch wide. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, keeping 2 inches of space between each cookie. Use your thumb or a small spoon to gently press a little well in the center of each cookie.

Step 4: Fill with Fruity Goodness

Carefully spoon a dollop of raspberry jam into the center indent of each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the hot oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful light golden color. Once done, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Create the Magical Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. If the glaze seems too thick or thin, adjust by adding more milk or powdered sugar.

Step 7: Drizzle and Decorate

Using a spoon or piping bag, artfully drizzle the almond glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving up these delightful treats.

Tips That Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Better

• Elevate Butter Quality: Use high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature for the richest, most tender shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Prevent Jam Overflow: Create a deeper thumb indent and avoid overfilling with jam to keep the cookies neat and prevent spillage during baking.
• Master Dough Consistency: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' perfect round shape.
• Customize Jam Selection: Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to create unique flavor variations of these classic cookies.
• Glaze like a Pro: Let cookies cool completely before adding the almond glaze to ensure a smooth, clean drizzle that sets beautifully on top.

Store Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies the Smart Way

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to prevent breaking or sticking together.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture and prevent softening.
• If glaze becomes dull, lightly brush with a thin layer of milk to refresh its shine and appearance.

Best Pairings for Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

• Sip a chilled moscato or sweet riesling that complements the cookie's delicate almond and raspberry flavors, enhancing the dessert's fruity and nutty notes.
• Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea that provides a soft, aromatic backdrop to the shortbread's buttery texture and sweet raspberry filling.
• Select a smooth vanilla latte or light roast coffee with subtle caramel undertones that harmonize with the cookie's almond extract and sweet glaze.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or almond-flavored gelato, creating a decadent dessert experience that amplifies the cookie's rich, creamy elements.

Fun Ideas to Switch Up Thumbprint Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cookies maintain a similar texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based jam without gelatin for a completely dairy-free and egg-free option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose a low-sugar raspberry jam to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's delightful flavor.
• Nutty Variation: Swap almond extract with vanilla extract and roll cookie edges in finely chopped almonds or pistachios before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth.

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful raspberry almond shortbread thumbprint cookies bring sweet holiday memories to life with their buttery texture and jammy centers. Crisp edges and nutty undertones make these elegant treats a perfect companion for afternoon tea or festive gatherings you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Fat and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (130 g) granulated sugar

Flavoring and Filling Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup (100 g) raspberry jam

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) milk
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a precision workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper and positioning the oven rack to 350F, creating an ideal baking environment.
2. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes ethereal and voluminous, incorporating almond extract to infuse deep flavor nuances.
3. Gradually fold flour and salt into the creamy base, gently transforming the ingredients into a cohesive, tender dough that holds its shape effortlessly.
4. Delicately form uniform spheres of dough, spacing them strategically across the prepared baking surfaces to ensure even heat circulation.
5. Craft elegant indentations using your thumb or a rounded utensil, creating perfect wells designed to cradle the vibrant raspberry jam.
6. Tenderly nestle a precise dollop of raspberry preserves into each cookie’s center, allowing the jewel-like filling to peek through its delicate pastry vessel.
7. Slide the adorned cookies into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden-kissed delicacies with lightly bronzed edges, approximately 12-15 minutes.
8. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on baking sheets, permitting them to stabilize before transferring to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature equalization.
9. Compose a silky almond glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until achieving a smooth, fluid consistency perfect for elegant drizzling.
10. Embellish the cooled cookies with a graceful lattice of almond glaze, letting it cascade and set, creating a final touch of sophisticated sweetness.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing that creates tender cookies with perfect texture.
• Roll dough balls uniformly to guarantee consistent baking and professional-looking presentation.
• Replace raspberry jam with alternative fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry for delightful flavor variations.
• Swap almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic taste if almond isn’t preferred, maintaining cookie’s delicate profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 151
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 26 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg