Heavenly Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery shortbread meets a vibrant raspberry jam in these delectable almond thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth.

Crumbly and delicate, these cookies blend nutty almond flavors with a burst of fruity raspberry center.

Each tender bite promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

The simple yet elegant recipe transforms basic ingredients into an irresistible treat that sparkles on any dessert plate.

Almond flour adds a rich, subtle nuttiness while creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

One batch will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that draws everyone to the cookie tin.

Indulge in these elegant cookies and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 152 kcal

Servings: 23

What Goes Into Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp, delicate cookie structure; select fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Flour: Gives structural integrity to cookies; use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; fine table salt works perfectly.
• Almond Extract: Delivers deep, nutty flavor profile; opt for pure extract over artificial versions.

• Raspberry Jam: Adds fruity, vibrant center with beautiful color; select seedless jam for smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, smooth glaze with elegant finish; sift to remove any lumps.
• Milk: Helps achieve perfect glaze consistency; whole milk provides richer result.

• Almond Extract (Glaze): Reinforces nutty undertone and complements cookie's base flavor; use sparingly for subtle enhancement.

Baking Tools For Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

• Electric mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to create a fluffy, smooth base for the cookie dough.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and creating the soft cookie dough.
• Baking sheets: Two lined with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Thumb or small spoon: Used to create perfect indentations in the cookie dough.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing the almond glaze.
• Spoon or piping bag: Handy for drizzling the glaze over cooled cookies.

How To Bake Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

• Cookie Base

A dreamy blend of butter, sugar, and flour creates a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread foundation that’s light and tender.

• Shaping Magic

Gently roll soft dough into delicate rounds, creating little wells that will cradle sweet raspberry goodness.

• Fruity Heart

Nestle a dollop of vibrant raspberry jam into the center of each cookie, transforming them into jewel-like treats.

• Golden Transformation

Bake until edges turn a soft golden hue, allowing the cookies to develop a delicate, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender core.

• Elegant Finale

Drizzle a silky almond glaze across the cooled cookies, adding a graceful finishing touch that elevates these simple delights to a sophisticated dessert.

Helpful Hints For Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

• Baking Precision Perfection: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing and ensure ingredients are measured precisely for consistent cookie texture.
• Jam Selection Magic: Choose high-quality raspberry jam with minimal seeds for a smoother filling, or experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot for delightful flavor variations.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicate shortbread texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked cookie balls for future baking. Simply thaw and bake when craving a sweet treat.
• Decoration Creativity: Replace almond glaze with white chocolate drizzle or roll cookie edges in finely chopped toasted almonds for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor before baking.

Ways To Present Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these delightful cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a morning treat that elevates your breakfast routine.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful serving tray alongside fresh raspberries and sliced almonds to create a visually stunning dessert presentation that impresses guests.
• Festive Gift Idea: Package the cookies in a decorative box or clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or special gatherings.
• Party Nibble Delight: Serve these bite-sized cookies at parties or potlucks as a sophisticated yet approachable sweet snack that everyone will love and remember.

Storage Guide For Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Freezing Magic: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
• Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This technique helps develop richer flavors and makes baking more convenient.
• Glaze Timing Trick: Apply almond glaze only after cookies have completely cooled to ensure a smooth, crisp finish that doesn't run or become soggy.

Delicate Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Raspberry almond shortbread thumbprint cookies combine buttery, crumbly shortbread with sweet raspberry jam. Delicate cookie edges are filled with bright red jam, creating a perfect balance of flavors for holiday baking or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking trays with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for cookie development.
2. Dough Creation: Blend softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Integrate almond extract, then gently fold in flour and salt, forming a tender, cohesive dough. Shape into uniform 1-inch spheres, placing them strategically on prepared baking sheets with ample spacing.
3. Thumbprint Formation: Craft delicate wells in each cookie’s center using your thumb or a small spoon’s curved edge. Carefully deposit a precise amount of raspberry jam into each indentation, ensuring an elegant and even distribution.
4. Baking Process: Transfer trays to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Monitor for soft golden edges indicating perfect doneness. Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.
5. Glaze Finishing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to create a silky glaze. Adjust liquid consistency for smooth drizzling. Once cookies are completely cooled, embellish with an artistic glaze application using a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set fully before serving these delectable treats.

Notes

• Manage Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, creating the perfect creamy texture for tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies.
• Perfect Thumb Indentation: Press gently when creating cookie wells to avoid cracking the delicate dough, using the back of a teaspoon for uniform and clean indentations.
• Control Jam Filling: Use high-quality, seedless raspberry jam for a smooth finish and prevent overflow during baking by adding a conservative amount to each cookie center.
• Glaze Consistency Hack: Start with minimal liquid when preparing the almond glaze, gradually adding milk to achieve a drizzle-friendly consistency that doesn’t become too runny or thick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg