Name: Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup seedless raspberry preserves; Powder sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Whenever I think about baking, my heart skips a beat, and the first recipe that comes to mind is Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies. I remember the first time I made them with my grandmother; we would spend the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, the sweet aroma of fresh cookies wafting through the air. These cookies are not just a treat; they hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of everyone who tries them. The vibrant, tangy raspberry filling tucked into the buttery, soft cookie is simply irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an intimate family gathering or a festive holiday celebration.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Baking Sheet

Why This Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Is a Winner

Family Tradition

There’s something magical about traditions that bring families together. Making Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies has been a cherished family ritual for years. Each cookie tells a story, from rolling the dough into little balls to pressing my thumb into each one, creating the perfect little wells to hold the raspberry goodness. It’s a delightful way to bond over the joy of baking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday party, a special birthday, or just a rainy afternoon, these cookies never fail to impress. They’re not only beautiful but also deliciously satisfying. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even as a sweet treat after dinner.

Simple Ingredients

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to make! You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. All you need is some butter, sugar, flour, and, of course, raspberry preserves. These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Customizable Options

If you want to get a little creative, the Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe can be easily adapted. Feel free to try different kinds of preserves, like apricot or strawberry, to suit your taste. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!

Make Ahead & Freeze

These cookies are great for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough, freeze it, and simply bake them whenever you’re ready. This means you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime with minimal effort!

Kids Love Them

One of the best parts about baking Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies is involving the kids. They love rolling the dough into balls and creating the thumbprint, making it a fun family activity. Plus, there’s nothing quite like seeing their faces light up when they take the first bite!

Ingredients to Make Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

When it comes to baking, the ingredients are the heart and soul of the dish. For Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, each component plays a vital role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The buttery richness of the unsalted butter combined with the sweetness of granulated sugar creates the perfect base, while the raspberry preserves add an explosion of flavor that the whole family will adore.

1 ½ cups unsalted butter – This is the foundation of our cookies, providing a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s important to use room temperature butter for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugar – This sweetener not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cookies’ tenderness. It helps create that lovely, soft texture we all crave.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A must-have for any cookie recipe! It enhances the flavor of our cookies, giving them a warm, inviting aroma.
1 teaspoon sea salt – Just a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness in the cookies and balances the flavors beautifully.
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of our cookie dough, it provides structure and body to our cookies.
¼ cup seedless raspberry preserves – This is where the magic happens! The tartness of the raspberry perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie.
Powdered sugar for dusting – A light sprinkle of this sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making these cookies even more irresistible.

How to Prepare Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Baking Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and warmth. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious cookies that will impress friends and family alike.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready.
In a large bowl, take the unsalted butter and add the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture, which is key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Once the mixture is fluffy, scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined. This little step helps avoid any lumps of sugar or butter.
Now, turn the mixer to low speed and add in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the mixture. It’s best to do this a little at a time, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, which we definitely don’t want.
Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Roll the dough into 1-ounce balls, which is about 1 ½ tablespoons per ball. It’s important to make them uniform in size so they bake evenly.
Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little during baking, so give them room!
Now comes the fun part! Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball, creating a small well. Be sure to support the sides with your other hand to prevent any cracking around the edges.
Fill each thumbprint with about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of raspberry preserves. Don’t overfill, or they may overflow while baking!
Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching closely. You want the edges to turn a light golden brown, while the centers remain slightly soft.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This step ensures they set properly.
Finally, once cooled, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness and serve!

Things Worth Knowing

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter is at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
Don’t Skip Chilling: If you find the dough is too soft to handle, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to shape.
Check for Doneness: The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. If they’re too light, they may not have baked long enough and could collapse.
Variations: Feel free to swap out the raspberry preserves for your favorite flavor! Apricot or strawberry also makes delicious alternatives.

Recipe Tips about Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these pointers will help elevate your cookie game.

Storage: Homemade cookies will keep well at room temperature for at least a week. Store them in an airtight container on the counter, away from moisture.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies! Place them in an airtight bag or other freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Just thaw on the countertop for at least an hour before enjoying.
Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves or add chocolate chips to the dough for a unique twist!
Serving: These cookies are a great addition to any tea party or dessert table. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Batching: Consider making double the batch to share with friends or family. They make fantastic gifts!

Serving Options for Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

When it comes to serving Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to enhance your cookie experience:

Tea Parties: These cookies are a perfect fit for afternoon tea. Serve them alongside other sweet treats like scones and finger sandwiches.
Holiday Gatherings: Bring Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies to family gatherings or holiday parties. They are a hit among both kids and adults and add a festive touch!
Gift Giving: Pack them in a decorative box or jar as homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or as a thoughtful gesture during holidays.
Snack Time: These cookies are also great for a quick snack. Serve them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Seasonal Celebrations: These cookies can be served year-round, making them a fantastic option for birthdays, picnics, or simply to enjoy at home.

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe features raspberry preserves, you can easily swap them for other flavors such as apricot, strawberry, or even mixed berry. Each type of preserve will give the cookies a unique flavor, and it’s a great way to customize the recipe to your liking. Just be mindful of the sweetness of the preserves you choose, as it can affect the overall taste of the cookie.

To store your leftover Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough. To do this, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough and proceed with the recipe as usual.

If your Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled. To prevent this, make sure your butter is at room temperature and not melted. If you find that your dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Conclusion

The Easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the joy of baking into your home. Their unique combination of buttery cookies and tangy raspberry preserves creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try making these cookies, as they are perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Enjoy the process and the delicious results that come with it!