There’s something irresistible about the classic raspberry thumbprint cookie—a delightful combination of buttery, nut-coated cookies with a sweet and tangy raspberry center. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or simply enjoy a homemade treat with your afternoon tea. With their tender texture and burst of fruity flavor, raspberry thumbprint cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add the egg yolks and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. - Form the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is too soft, chilling it will help. Once rolled, coat each dough ball in the finely chopped nuts, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. - Prepare the Baking Sheet
Place the nut-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. - Make the Indentations
Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, press gently into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want to create a space for the jam without breaking the cookie. - Add the Raspberry Jam
Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam or preserves—about 1/2 teaspoon—into each indentation. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. - Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How-To
To get the perfect raspberry thumbprint cookies, ensure your butter is properly softened. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar and result in a smoother dough. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chilling it will help in forming the balls. For the best results, use high-quality raspberry jam or preserves to ensure a burst of fruity flavor in each bite.
Recipe Preparation
Preparing raspberry thumbprint cookies is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail to achieve the ideal texture and flavor. The key steps include properly creaming the butter and sugar, ensuring the dough is not too sticky, and making precise indentations for the jam. These steps will help ensure your cookies come out beautifully every time.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 24 | Yield: 24 cookies
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry or apricot. Just make sure the jam is thick enough to hold its shape in the cookie.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling into balls.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you prefer not to use nuts, you can skip this step or use a different coating like shredded coconut or a sprinkle of sugar.
Conclusion
Raspberry thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of buttery cookies with the vibrant flavor of raspberry jam. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply enjoying a homemade snack, these thumbprint cookies are sure to please. Enjoy every bite of these delightful morsels and share the joy with friends and family!