If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies with a burst of fruity sweetness, this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and crumbly, with a luscious dollop of raspberry jam nestled right in the center of each bite—making them irresistibly charming and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or just because you crave something homemade and sweet, these cookies never fail to brighten the day and impress everyone lucky enough to sample them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating cookies that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly textured, from the creamy butter to the tangy sour cream, and of course, the irresistible raspberry jam that gives these cookies their signature twist.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring the cookies hold together without being tough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and helps with browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and tenderness to every bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet notes that brighten the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Provides a delicate nutty aroma that complements raspberry beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, giving the cookies extra tenderness.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): The jewel of the recipe, adding vibrant flavor and a juicy burst.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting: A light, snowy finish that adds a touch of elegance.
How to Make Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures that your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, setting the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process is key to creating that signature tender crumb in the cookies, as the air incorporated here helps with leavening during baking.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and if using, almond extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor that deepen the cookie’s character. Then, stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which makes the dough soft and easy to work with.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here – you want to keep the dough tender by mixing only until the flour disappears.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange them evenly on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball, creating a small well. Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam, adding that luscious fruity surprise to every cookie.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until their edges turn a delicate golden shade. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes; this resting time allows the cookies to set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Final Touch
Before serving, dust each cookie lightly with powdered sugar for a charming, snowy appearance that makes these cookies feel special and irresistible.
How to Serve Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar to the raspberry sugar cookies not only enhances their look but also adds a subtle sweetness. For an extra decadent touch, consider drizzling some white chocolate over the tops; it pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry flavor and makes them perfect for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own but also shine when paired with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. For brunch or dessert plates, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the raspberry sugar cookies on a tiered dessert tray for gatherings or package a few alongside a jar of homemade raspberry jam as a charming gift. You can also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream to make delightful cookie sandwiches everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your raspberry sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without losing their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when first baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, gently reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brief warming time brings back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use seeded raspberry jam for the cookies?
While you can use seeded jam, seedless raspberry jam is preferred for this recipe to achieve a smooth, bite-friendly texture that doesn’t interfere with the cookie’s delicate crumb.
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, which will provide similar moisture and tanginess for soft, tender cookies.
How long do raspberry sugar cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps deepen the flavors and makes shaping easier.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it a great dessert choice for vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about baking these Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe from scratch. The tender dough paired with the vibrant raspberry filling brings smiles with every bite, and the simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a treat that feels lovingly homemade. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new favorite cookie to bake over and over again.
Print
Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with a luscious dollop of raspberry jam. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat, these thumbprint cookies combine the classic sugar cookie base with a fruity twist. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which aerates the dough and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, blending the flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the dough is smooth; this adds a slight tang and moisture for a tender cookie.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can produce tough cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create Indentations: Gently flatten each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well for the jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam into each indentation carefully to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- For a festive twist, drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate instead of using powdered sugar.
- You can substitute the raspberry jam with strawberry or apricot jam based on preference or availability.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
