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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate almond extract into the creamed mixture, then gently fold in flour, mixing until a cohesive, tender dough develops.
- Craft uniform 1-inch spheres from the dough, positioning them with ample spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- Delicately spoon raspberry jam into the center indentations, ensuring an even distribution of the vibrant crimson preserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk to craft a silky smooth glaze with a subtle nutty undertone.
- 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