If you have a sweet tooth and adore the perfect balance of buttery soft cookies with a burst of fruity jam, you are going to fall head over heels for this Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These charming little treats are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies crowned with a vibrant dollop of raspberry jam, all enhanced by the subtle, nutty warmth of almond extract. Each bite is a cozy hug, ideal for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself with a cup of tea or coffee. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite homemade cookies to bake and enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is essential, working together to achieve that perfect crumbly texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Salted Butter: Cold or barely softened, cut into cubes to help create a tender, flaky crust.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating a light, fluffy dough when creamed with butter.
- Almond Extract: Just a touch gives these cookies their signature, irresistible nutty aroma.
- Flour: The base that holds everything together, providing structure without toughness.
- Seedless Raspberry Jam: The fruity filling that adds a beautiful pop of color and a sweet-tart contrast.
- Powdered Sugar: For the glossy glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Milk: Helps in achieving the perfect glaze consistency, so it drizzles just right.
- Vanilla or Almond Extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with subtle flavor notes that complement the cookies.
How to Make Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing the cold, cubed butter and sugar in a large bowl. Cream them together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely creamy. This step is critical—it aerates the dough, ensuring your cookies are wonderfully tender. Then, stir in your almond or vanilla extract, which brings that beautiful warmth and character to the cookie base.
Step 2: Combine Flour and Form The Dough
Next, gently fold the flour into the buttery mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will seem crumbly at first; keep folding and pressing until it starts to come together in a cohesive ball. If it’s too dry, adding a teaspoon of milk or water helps bring it together without making it sticky. Once your dough forms a smooth ball, wrap it tightly in plastic and chill for at least an hour to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies and Add Jam
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once chilled, shape the dough into smooth balls and set them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Using your thumb, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. Don’t worry if the dough cracks slightly—smooth it out with your fingers. Fill each indentation with about half a teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam. This is where the magic happens, creating that gorgeous burst of flavor once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For a softer, tender shortbread, pull them from the oven closer to 10 minutes. For a crisper, more traditional thumbprint cookie, bake for the full 14 minutes, watching closely so they don’t brown too much. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a rack.
Step 5: Drizzle the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with milk and a touch of vanilla or almond extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies for an elegant finish that adds just the right amount of sweetness and a pretty shimmer—because who doesn’t love cookies that look as good as they taste?
How to Serve Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe from lovely to stunning, consider adding a few garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their delicate appearance. Toasted almond slivers can be placed around the jam center or sprinkled on top of the glaze, adding texture and amplifying that almond flavor. Fresh raspberries on the side make a vibrant, fresh contrast that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a wonderful companion to a hot cup of tea—especially Earl Grey or chamomile. They’re also fantastic alongside a rich cappuccino or a glass of cold milk. For a fancier setting, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with refreshing juiciness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these thumbprint cookies on a decorative platter with edible flowers or mint leaves for a charming, gift-worthy display. Stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. For a party, create a cookie bar with multiple jam flavor options and different glaze colors to delight guests and inspire them to mix and match their favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for 4 to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to prolong their life, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, and they’ll taste just like freshly baked.
Reheating
To warm your cookies, pop a few in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. The warmth will revive that buttery softness and intensify the almond fragrance.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam pairs beautifully with almond extract, strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jams all work wonderfully and add their own unique twist to the cookies.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! You can substitute vanilla extract, which will give the cookies a lovely, classic flavor. Just keep in mind the almond extract is what gives these cookies their signature touch.
How do I prevent the dough from cracking when making the thumbprint?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled, and press gently when making the indentations. If cracks appear, just smooth them out carefully with your fingers; the jam filling will help mask any small cracks.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
Is there a way to make these cookies more festive?
Definitely! Add edible glitter or colored sugar to the glaze, or use different colored jams for a holiday-inspired look. You can also pipe small designs with melted white or dark chocolate over the glaze for a beautiful finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend you try this Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe enough. It’s one of those magical recipes that feels both special and comforting, perfect for any occasion or just a delightful everyday treat. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with warmth and invites smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to enjoy a fresh batch of these jewel-like cookies that are sure to become an instant classic in your recipe box.
Print
Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Raspberry Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies featuring a buttery shortbread base infused with almond extract and filled with sweet seedless raspberry jam, topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies are ideal for tea time or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Salted Butter (cold or barely softened, cut into small cubes)
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Milk or water (optional, to help dough come together)
Filling
- 1/2 cup Seedless Raspberry Jam
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Vanilla or Almond Extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the cold or barely softened butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Add the almond extract (or vanilla extract if preferred) to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Mix in Flour: Fold in the flour gradually and mix just until combined. The dough will initially be crumbly; continue mixing until it starts to come together. If needed, add about 1 teaspoon of milk or water to help bind the dough. Form the dough into a tight ball, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Cookies and Add Jam: After chilling, shape the dough into small smooth balls, ensuring no cracks remain. Place the balls spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb to press a shallow indentation in the center of each dough ball. If the dough cracks, gently smooth it out with your fingers. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-14 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned. For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crispier cookies, extend baking up to 14 minutes. Be careful not to overbake to maintain the ideal texture.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract to make the glaze. Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is cold or just slightly softened to achieve the ideal crumbly dough texture.
- You can adjust the almond extract quantity to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more for a stronger flavor.
- Use seedless raspberry jam to avoid seeds interfering with the smooth texture of the filling.
- The glaze adds sweetness and a delicate finish but can be omitted if desired.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Experiment with different jam flavors, such as apricot or strawberry, for variety.
