Delectable Buttery Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Soft, crumbly shortbread meets sweet raspberry in this buttery almond thumbprint cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Each delicate cookie cradles a vibrant dollop of ruby-red jam at its center.

The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry and fruity filling creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutty almond notes weave through the buttery base, adding depth and richness to every bite.

These elegant treats come together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these beautiful cookies that are perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet afternoon treat.

Serve these charming shortbread cookies and watch as smiles bloom around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 151 kcal

Servings: 24

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient creating tender, crumbly texture with soft wheat protein base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps cookies achieve delicate golden-brown edges.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor, creates smooth dough, and ensures tender cookie structure.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Adds sophisticated nutty undertone and aromatic depth.

• Raspberry Jam: Delivers bright, tangy fruity center with vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, smooth glaze with elegant finish.
• Milk: Helps achieve perfect glaze consistency and adds subtle creaminess.

• Additional Almond Extract: Reinforces delicate almond flavor profile in final glaze.

Tools That Help Shape and Fill Neatly

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to create light, fluffy texture.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cookie dough ingredients.
• Baking sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring dry and wet ingredients.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Small spoon or thumb: Used for creating indentations in cookie dough.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Spoon or piping bag: Great for drizzling almond glaze over cooled cookies.

Bake Shortbread with Raspberry-Almond Centers

• Whip Up the Dough

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add almond extract and blend softly. Gradually fold in flour until a smooth, delicate dough forms.

• Shape Sweet Morsels

Roll the dough into small, tender balls. Place them gently on baking sheets with plenty of space between each cookie. Press a small dimple into the center of each ball using your thumb or a rounded spoon.

• Create Jammy Centers

Carefully spoon a dollop of vibrant raspberry jam into each cookie’s cozy indentation. Ensure the jam nestles perfectly in the center.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into a warm 350F oven. Bake until the edges turn a delicate golden color, about 12-15 minutes. Let them rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

• Drizzle with Delightful Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of almond extract into a silky smooth glaze. Drizzle the glossy mixture over the cooled cookies in elegant, thin streams. Allow the glaze to set and transform these cookies into a beautiful treat.

Tips for Buttery Texture and Sweet Filling

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Choose high-quality raspberry preserves with whole fruit pieces for extra flavor and texture.
• Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to create unique cookie variations that suit different palates.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and fresh taste.

Serve as Holiday Cookies or Afternoon Treats

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange these delightful thumbprint cookies on a beautiful wooden board with fresh raspberries, whole almonds, and sprigs of mint for an elegant presentation.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, adding a personalized gift tag for a charming homemade treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Tea Time Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a delightful afternoon snack that pairs beautifully with the sweet raspberry and almond flavors.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Display these cookies on a tiered dessert stand during gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy their delicate texture and beautiful raspberry centers as part of a larger sweet spread.

Store in Tins to Keep That Tender Bite

• Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and delicious. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful shape.
• Wrap the cookies carefully in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay perfect for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying, ensuring the texture remains wonderfully crumbly.
• Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop and makes baking day super convenient. Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Keep the glaze separate if planning to store cookies longer. Drizzle the almond glaze just before serving to maintain the crisp, fresh finish and prevent any potential sogginess. This approach keeps your cookies looking and tasting bakery-fresh every single time.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of jam in these cookies?

Yes, you can swap raspberry jam with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry. Choose seedless jams for a smoother texture.

• Do I need special baking skills to make these cookies?

No, these are beginner-friendly cookies. If you can mix ingredients and roll dough into balls, you can easily make these shortbread thumbprint cookies.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when making the thumbprint?

Make sure your dough is at room temperature and not too cold. Gently press the indent with your thumb or the back of a spoon, being careful not to apply too much pressure.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, shape the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. Just bring the dough to room temperature before adding the jam and baking.

Buttery Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies showcase a perfect balance of buttery shortbread and sweet raspberry jam. Crumbly, tender cookies with a rich almond flavor invite bakers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g/8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (130 g/4.6 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) raspberry jam
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) powdered sugar
• 12 tbsps (180 ml/6 fl oz) milk
• ¼ tsp almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack at 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, establishing an optimal baking environment.
2. Mixing: Blend butter, sugar, and almond extract using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundational mixture.
3. Dough Formation: Incorporate flour and salt into the creamy base, gently working ingredients until a uniform, malleable dough emerges.
4. Shaping: Roll dough into consistent spheres and arrange on prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate spacing between each cookie.
5. Creating Impressions: Gently press a thumb or small spoon into each cookie’s center, forming delicate wells for jam filling.
6. Jam Incorporation: Carefully deposit raspberry preserves into the center of each cookie, ensuring an even and attractive distribution.
7. Baking: Transfer cookies to preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden edges and delicate coloration.
8. Cooling: Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and achieve optimal texture.
9. Glazing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract into a smooth, pourable glaze with a silky consistency.
10. Finishing: Drizzle almond glaze over cooled cookies, allowing it to set and create an elegant, refined presentation.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture, allowing smooth incorporation with sugar and creating a light, airy cookie base.
• Jam Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality, thick raspberry preserves to prevent spreading during baking and maintain a clean, vibrant center in each cookie.
• Thumb Technique Mastery: Create shallow, gentle indentations without piercing the dough completely, allowing the jam to nestle perfectly without leaking during baking.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to set structure, then transfer carefully to prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg