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If you have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies paired with a fruity burst, the Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These delicate shortbread cookies sandwich vibrant raspberry preserves, creating a perfect harmony of rich, tender cookie and tart, sweet filling that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re craving an elegant afternoon treat or something special to share with loved ones, this recipe delivers pure delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe uses a handful of simple but spectacular ingredients that each play a starring role. From the silky butter that gives the dough its tender crumb to the vibrant raspberry preserves that add a lively pop of flavor, every element is essential to achieving that classic shortbread texture and irresistible taste.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough providing that crumbly, tender base perfect for shortbread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps with the lovely golden edge as they bake.
- ¾ pound unsalted butter (3 sticks) at room temperature: Gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves: The star filling that brings a vibrant burst of fruity tartness to each sandwich.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finishing touch that adds a subtle sweetness and lovely presentation.
How to Make Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. This process is crucial because it aerates the mixture, creating a light and fluffy base that yields beautifully tender cookies. Once combined, add the vanilla extract to infuse that warm, comforting fragrance that makes these cookies so inviting.
Step 2: Mixing in the Flour and Salt
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually introduce this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed. Be patient and add the flour in portions to ensure the dough comes together just right — soft but not sticky. If you’re mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon and fold gently until the dough forms with clean bowl sides.
Step 3: Chilling the Dough
Shape your dough into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is key for firming up the butter, which prevents your cookies from spreading too much as they bake and helps maintain their classic shape and texture.
Step 4: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Working with a quarter of the dough at a time, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out shapes—if you want to be extra charming, make a small hole in the center of half the cookies with a straw. This hole will let the raspberry preserves peek through once assembled!
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Arrange your cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for the edges to turn just golden, a telltale sign that the cookies are perfectly baked with that tender crumb inside and a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Step 6: Assembling the Sandwiches
Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, spread a thin, even layer of raspberry preserves on the flat side of the solid cookies. Gently press the cookies with holes on top to create delightful little sandwiches. Finish these beauties with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy appearance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle additional powdered sugar just before serving or add a fresh raspberry atop each sandwich to amplify that fruity allure. A small mint leaf can provide a fresh contrast, enhancing the cookie’s vibrant presentation, especially for gatherings or afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with a cup of classic English tea, a latte, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the buttery richness and fruity sweetness. For a brunch spread, adding fresh fruit or a light citrus salad complements the raspberry notes beautifully without overpowering the delicate shortbread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe on a tiered cake stand for that bakery-style appeal, or package them in decorative boxes tied with ribbons to gift friends and family. Serving them chilled straight from the fridge adds a pleasantly cool contrast, making them perfect for warm days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them cool preserves the preserves’ freshness and the cookies’ tender texture, so they taste just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies without the filling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then sandwich with raspberry preserves for freshly assembled goodness.
Reheating
If you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat the assembled sandwiches in the oven at 300ËšF for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shortbread lose its crispness, and the raspberry preserves may become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit preserves instead of raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry preserves give a lovely tart contrast, you can substitute with strawberry, apricot, or even fig preserves depending on your preference. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic sandwich.
Do I need to use unsalted butter, or can I use salted?
Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of your cookies precisely, but if you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added ¼ teaspoon of salt in the recipe.
How thick should I roll out the dough for these shortbread cookies?
Rolling the dough to about 1/8 inch thick strikes the perfect balance between delicate texture and structural integrity needed for sandwich cookies, so they hold the preserves well without crumbling.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Substituting butter with a plant-based alternative is possible, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor. Look for high-quality vegan butter and be sure to chill the dough well to mimic the original consistency.
Why is chilling the dough important before baking?
Chilling solidifies the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them keep their shape and develop that perfect crumbly texture intrinsic to shortbread.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe enough if you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a simple yet utterly charming treat. It hits all the right notes—rich, buttery cookies combined with vibrant, fruity preserves—that make for a timeless dessert or snack to share with the people you love. Give it a try, and prepare for plenty of compliments and happy smiles!
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Print
Raspberry Preserves Shortbread Cookies Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 35 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully buttery and tender, these classic Shortbread Cookies with Raspberry Preserves are perfect for tea time or a sweet treat. Crisp shortbread sandwiches filled with tangy raspberry preserves and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar make a timeless, elegant cookie that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ pound unsalted butter (3 sticks), at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling and Topping
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until combined and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly to incorporate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. The sides of the bowl should be clean when finished mixing. If using a hand mixer, you may need to finish mixing by hand.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge and unwrap. Roll out about a quarter of the dough at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to stamp out shapes. Use a straw to cut small holes in the center of the cookies if desired, to create sandwich tops.
- Transfer and Bake: Carefully transfer the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Assemble: Allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature. Spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with the remaining cookies.
- Finish and Store: Dust the tops of the sandwich cookies with powdered sugar. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
- Keep unused dough wrapped and refrigerated while rolling out to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Use a sharp spatula or food scraper to easily lift the cookies from the rolling surface.
- The small hole in the cookie centers helps the raspberry preserves show through and creates a decorative effect.
- You can substitute raspberry preserves with other fruit jams if desired.
- For crispier cookies, bake an extra 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- These cookies freeze well after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
