Decadent Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Indulge in the bliss of these Decadent Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies that blend the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread with the sweet-tart flavor of raspberry jam. Perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth, these delightful treats are a festive favorite. Add a pop of color for the holidays by substituting a candied red or green cherry in the center for an eye-catching touch. Ideal for sharing during holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your baking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (softened (no substitutes))
Almond Extract
1/2 teaspoon ((optional))
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (none)
Confectioners' Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (none)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
Raspberry Jam
24 teaspoons (or use strawberry jam or jelly or 24 candied red or green cherries)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lightly grease a cookie or baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
3
Add the vanilla and almond extract (if using) to the butter and continue mixing until well incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour until evenly combined.
5
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6
With clean hands, shape the dough into 24 equal-sized round balls, ensuring they are smooth.
7
Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8
Gently press down on each ball with your palm to flatten slightly, then use your finger to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
9
Carefully spoon about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam (or your choice of jam or a candied cherry) into each indentation.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies to ensure the edges do not brown excessively.
11
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies?
They are buttery, shortbread-style cookies with a sweet-tart raspberry jam center, perfect for holidays.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, lightly grease a cookie or baking sheet before placing the dough balls.
Can I use butter substitutes in this recipe?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of softened butter with no substitutes for the best results.
Is almond extract mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract is optional.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What type of sugar is used for these cookies?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the dough?
The 1/4 cup of cornstarch helps give the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should I mix the dry ingredients?
Whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl until evenly combined.
How do I prepare the butter?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter until it is creamy and fluffy.
When should I add the extracts?
Add the vanilla and optional almond extract to the creamed butter and mix until well incorporated.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 24 equal-sized cookies.
How do I shape the dough?
With clean hands, shape the dough into 24 smooth, round balls.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the sheet?
Space the cookie balls about 2 inches apart.
How do I make the thumbprint indentation?
Gently press down on each ball with your palm to flatten it slightly, then use your finger to create a small hole in the center.
How much jam goes into each cookie?
Carefully spoon about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam or any other jelly of your choice.
Can I use something other than jam for the center?
Yes, you can use a candied red or green cherry in the center for a festive look.
How long do the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
Watch them closely to ensure the edges do not brown excessively; they should remain pale.
What should I do after taking them out of the oven?
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they are ideal for holiday gatherings or as gifts for loved ones.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They are perfectly soft, buttery, and have a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Should the dough be smooth?
Yes, mix the dry mixture into the butter until a smooth dough forms.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and extracts.
How do I make them look more festive?
Add a pop of color by using candied red or green cherries instead of jam.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, these thumbprint cookies are described as a festive favorite and a potential holiday tradition.
Can I use granulated sugar?
The recipe specifies confectioners' sugar, which is key to the shortbread texture.
What is the main flavor of the cookie base?
The base is a rich, buttery shortbread flavor.