Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful cookie that perfectly balances nutty richness and fruity sweetness, Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are the answer. These little treats are not only beautiful with their jewel-like raspberry jam centers, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just because, these cookies will impress with their tender crumb and burst of raspberry flavor. Plus, the almond adds a wonderful depth and a subtle crunch that makes each bite unforgettable.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with sophistication. With just a handful of ingredients, you create cookies that look like they came from a bakery. The almond flavor comes from almond extract and finely ground almonds, giving the cookies a unique twist compared to standard thumbprint cookies. The raspberry jam filling adds a vibrant pop of color and a sweet-tart contrast that complements the buttery cookie base beautifully.

These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves fresh, homemade baked goods without spending hours in the kitchen. The dough is straightforward to prepare and easy to handle, making it a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, they stay fresh for days when stored properly, so you can enjoy them or share with friends and family over time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam (make sure it’s free from non-permissible ingredients)
• Optional: sliced almonds for topping

How To Make Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Next, add the egg and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Create the Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid cracking the dough.

Step 6: Fill with Raspberry Jam

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam. If the jam is too thick, warm it slightly so it’s easier to spoon.

Step 7: Optional Topping

If desired, lightly press a few sliced almonds around the jam on each cookie for added texture and a decorative touch.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these delicious Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better dough texture.
• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to enhance flavor.
• For a more intense almond flavor, toast the ground almonds lightly before adding to the dough.
• If jam is too runny, strain it or reduce it over low heat to thicken before filling the cookies.
• Press the thumbprint gently to avoid cracking; if cracks occur, patch with a little dough.
• Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized cookies to ensure uniform baking.
• Store cookies in a single layer to avoid smudging the jam filling.

Variations and Customizations

• Different Jam Flavors: Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for a new flavor profile.
• Nut Alternatives: Use finely ground pistachios or walnuts instead of almonds for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to accommodate dietary needs.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free margarine and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) in place of the butter and egg.
• Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, place the cookies in a single layer separated by parchment paper and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the cookies to become dry.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought jam for these cookies?

Absolutely! Store-bought jam works perfectly. Just make sure to choose a high-quality jam that is free of gelatin or other non-permissible ingredients. You can even warm it slightly if it’s too thick to easily fill the cookies.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or a small amount of orange blossom water for a different but lovely flavor. However, almond extract is key to getting that signature almond taste.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when making the thumbprints?

Chilling the dough thoroughly helps reduce cracking. Also, press gently to form the thumbprint without going too deep. If cracks do appear, you can patch them by gently pressing a little extra dough over the crack.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and roll it into balls, then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. When ready, just create the thumbprints, fill with jam, and bake as usual. This is a great way to save time on baking day.

Conclusion

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless treat that brings together the delicate flavors of almond and raspberry in a buttery, tender cookie. This recipe is straightforward, versatile, and perfect for bakers of any experience level. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many delicious variations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a batch of these beautiful, flavorful cookies that everyone will love!