The Best Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet raspberry almond thumbprint cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional holiday baking.

Crumbly shortbread mingles with vibrant fruit preserves for an irresistible treat.

Delicate almonds add a subtle nutty crunch that makes these cookies stand out.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between buttery pastry and tangy raspberry filling.

Soft centers and crisp edges create a textural symphony that will have you reaching for more.

Home bakers of all skill levels can easily master this simple yet impressive dessert.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprints That Disappear Fast

• Quick Delightful Treats: Perfect for anyone craving a simple, elegant dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.
• Minimal Preparation Time: Whips up in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making these cookies an ideal last-minute sweet for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
• Family-Friendly Baking Experience: Kids can easily help create the thumbprint indentations and fill them with colorful raspberry jam, turning cookie-making into a fun family activity.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions like afternoon tea, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a charming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills without requiring advanced pastry techniques.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the classic cookie base, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a tender, delicate cookie with a smooth crumb.

• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich flavor and smooth consistency, use room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Almond Extract: Delivers a delightful nutty essence, use pure extract for the most authentic flavor.
• Seedless Red Raspberry Jam: Provides a sweet and tangy center, select high-quality preserves for best taste.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookie Assembly

Step 1: Whip Up the Delectable Dough

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened butter with cornstarch until silky smooth.

Fold in powdered sugar and almond extract, creating a creamy mixture.

Gently incorporate flour, stirring until the dough forms a perfect consistency.

Step 2: Chill and Relax the Dough

Wrap the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for a quick 10-15 minute cooldown.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing for cookie magic.

Step 4: Craft Adorable Cookie Spheres

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

Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Create a cozy little well in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Splash of Fruity Goodness

Delicately spoon some luscious seedless raspberry jam into the center of each cookie dimple.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 9 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous light golden color.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Savor the Sweet Sensation

Indulge in these melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with buttery almond notes and vibrant raspberry sweetness.

Almond Cookie Tips with a Raspberry Center Surprise

• Refrigerate the dough for at least 15 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie's shape during baking.
• Use seedless raspberry jam to avoid seeds and create a smooth, elegant filling in the thumbprint center.
• Press thumb or spoon carefully to create a shallow well without breaking the cookie's delicate structure.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and ensure even blending of ingredients.
• Choose high-quality almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor and create a more sophisticated taste profile.

Store Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their just-baked crispness and revive the almond and raspberry taste.

Perfect Snacks for Raspberry Almond Cookies

• Complement Tea Selection: Brew a light Earl Grey or delicate chamomile tea to balance the sweet-tart raspberry and rich almond notes in the cookies.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve alongside vanilla bean gelato or a small scoop of almond-flavored ice cream to enhance the cookie's nutty and fruity profile.
• Craft Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Rosé or sweet Moscato wine that matches the cookie's delicate sweetness and raspberry essence, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony.
• Create Coffee Match: Pair with a smooth cappuccino or mild espresso, allowing the coffee's robust flavor to contrast with the cookie's delicate almond and raspberry undertones.

Almond Thumbprint Cookies Variations

• Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Raspberry Almond Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based powdered sugar to create a dairy-free version.
• Nutty Alternative Jam Cookies: Switch raspberry jam with apricot, strawberry, or peach preserves for different flavor profiles and exciting taste combinations.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free jam and replace powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly cookie alternative.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensures a more compact, neat shape.

• Can I use other types of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry is classic, you can experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the thumbprint from closing during baking?

Gently press the indentation right before baking and do it carefully to maintain the well for the jam. If it starts to close, use the back of a small spoon to reshape it quickly.

• What if my dough is too crumbly or too soft?

If the dough is too crumbly, add a tiny bit of milk. If it’s too soft, refrigerate it longer or add a bit more flour until it’s the right consistency for rolling into balls.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful raspberry almond thumbprint cookies blend sweet almonds with tangy raspberry jam in a perfect holiday treat. Homemade comfort awaits you with these elegant, irresistible cookies that bring warmth and joy to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened (226 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
• 3/4 cup cornstarch (90 grams)

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 grams)

Flavoring and Filling:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2/3 tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam

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Instructions

1. Create a velvety dough by blending softened butter with cornstarch until smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar and almond extract, mixing until luxuriously creamy. Gently fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Refrigerate the dough for a brief 10-15 minute interlude to enhance its structural integrity.
3. Warm the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the delicate cookies.
4. Craft petite spheres of dough, each approximately one inch in diameter. Arrange them gracefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then tenderly press a delicate indentation into the center of each ball using your thumb or a rounded utensil.
5. Lovingly nestle a dollop of seedless raspberry jam into the center of each carefully shaped cookie.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform for about 9 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges and a delicate set texture. Once baked, let the cookies rest momentarily on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Allow the cookies to cool completely, developing their full flavor profile. The result: ethereal morsels combining buttery richness, subtle almond essence, and vibrant raspberry sweetness.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and smoother cookie texture.
• Experiment with different jam flavors like apricot or strawberry for varied taste profiles.
• Ensure jam doesn’t overflow by creating a deep, gentle indentation in cookie centers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg