Buttery Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Raspberry almond shortbread thumbprint cookies offer a delightful twist on classic bakery treats.

Buttery layers melt softly with each crumbly bite.

Crisp edges complement sweet raspberry centers that burst with fruity flavor.

Elegant yet simple, these cookies work perfectly for afternoon tea or special gatherings.

Almond undertones add rich complexity to the delicate shortbread base.

Her grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this delectable version you can easily recreate.

Come bake something magical that will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Are So Special

• Bake with Minimal Fuss: These shortbread thumbprint cookies require simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot to create unique taste variations that match your mood or pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Option: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday cookie exchanges, these delicate cookies will impress guests with their elegant appearance and delightful taste.
• Quick Weekend Treat: With straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients, these cookies can be made quickly, allowing you to enjoy a homemade sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that helps create a rich and tender shortbread texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a golden color.
• Flour: The main structure of the cookie that gives it a delicate, crumbly consistency.
• Almond Extract: Adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the raspberry.

• Raspberry Jam: A fruity and sweet center that adds a burst of flavor to the shortbread cookie.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Almond Extract: A smooth and sweet topping that adds a final layer of flavor and decorative finish to the cookies.

How to Bake Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a fluffy texture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Build the Dough

Splash in the almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Gradually fold in flour, stirring until a soft, pliable dough comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Shape Perfect Cookie Rounds

Roll the dough into bite-sized balls, each about the size of a walnut.

Place them generously spaced on the prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie room to shine.

Step 5: Make Signature Thumbprint Indentations

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a small well into the center of each cookie.

These little pockets will soon cradle sweet raspberry goodness.

Step 6: Fill with Fruity Goodness

Carefully spoon raspberry jam into each cookie’s center, creating a vibrant burst of color and flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Watch for edges to turn a delicate golden brown, signaling the cookies are ready.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.

Drizzle the glossy glaze over the cooled cookies, creating an elegant finishing touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for a few moments, then serve these irresistible cookies to eager friends and family.

Tips That Perfect Thumbprint Cookies Every Time

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and better cookie texture.
• Choose high-quality raspberry jam with intense fruit flavor for more delicious results.
• Create uniform cookies by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure dough portions evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.

Variations on Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

• Berry Medley Shortbread: Swap raspberry jam with mixed berry preserves for a vibrant fruit flavor combination.
• Chocolate Almond Bliss: Replace raspberry jam with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for a rich variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Nutty Apricot Crunch: Substitute raspberry jam with apricot preserves and add crushed pistachios to the dough for extra texture.

What Goes Well with Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Serve these delicate cookies alongside a chilled glass of moscato wine, its light sweetness complementing the raspberry's tartness and almond's nutty undertones.
• Complement with Creamy Contrast: Enjoy these shortbread cookies with a steaming cappuccino, where the rich espresso cuts through the cookie's sweetness and the milk foam echoes the buttery texture.
• Match with Fruity Tea: Brew a warm cup of hibiscus or raspberry herbal tea, its floral and berry notes creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the cookie's fruity jam center.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Select a late harvest riesling, its honeyed sweetness and balanced acidity providing a luxurious accompaniment that highlights the cookie's delicate almond and raspberry flavors.

Proper Storage for Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they’re protected from freezer burn.

Remove cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp edges and refresh the flavors. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of jam?

Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or any other flavor you prefer. Just ensure the jam has a similar consistency.

• Do I need a mixer for this recipe?

No, you can cream butter and sugar by hand using a wooden spoon or whisk. Just mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

• How do I prevent the jam from burning during baking?

Make a deep, well-defined indentation in each cookie and avoid overfilling with jam. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring the dough to room temperature before baking.

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet raspberry almond shortbread thumbprint cookies bring classic European baking charm to your dessert table. Buttery shortbread embraces a jewel-like raspberry center, inviting you to savor each delicate, crumbly bite of deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Filling:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate almond extract into the creamed mixture, then gently fold in flour, mixing until a cohesive, tender dough develops.
4. Craft uniform 1-inch spheres from the dough, positioning them with ample spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Create gentle wells in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the curved side of a spoon, forming perfect reservoirs for the fruity filling.
6. Delicately spoon raspberry jam into the center indentations, ensuring an even distribution of the vibrant crimson preserve.
7. Transfer the cookie sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for the edges to transform into a delicate golden hue.
8. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly before relocating to a cooling rack.
9. Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk to craft a silky smooth glaze with a subtle nutty undertone.
10. Once the cookies have completely cooled, artfully drizzle the glaze across the surface, allowing it to set and create an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Experiment with different jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to add variety and personal flair to the classic recipe.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the nutty flavor by lightly toasting the almond extract or adding finely chopped almonds to the dough for extra crunch and depth.
• Prevent jam from bubbling over during baking by using a small measuring spoon to create precise, shallow indentations in the cookie dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg