Delicious Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies with jam filling, perfect for dessert.

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: Buttery, Crumbly Bliss with a Jammy Surprise 🍪✨🍓

Name: Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam); 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

1. Introduction

Raspberry almond thumbprint cookies are the ultimate combination of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. These elegant treats feature a buttery shortbread base infused with almond flavor, topped with a vibrant raspberry jam center that creates a beautiful contrast. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea parties, or as a special homemade gift, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

What makes these raspberry almond thumbprint cookies stand out is their perfect balance – the rich, crumbly texture of the shortbread complements the sweet-tart burst of raspberry jam, while the almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness that elevates the entire experience. If you love almond-flavored desserts, you might also enjoy our lemon raspberry cookies which offer a similar flavor profile with a citrusy twist.

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this raspberry almond thumbprint cookies recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of any good shortbread cookie
2/3 cup granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors
1/4 teaspoon almond extract – The secret ingredient that makes these cookies special
2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookie
1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds) – Adds texture and nutty flavor
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors
1/2 cup raspberry jam – You can also use your favorite jam variety
1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish (optional) – For extra crunch and presentation

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category where you’ll find everything from cookies to cakes and pies.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture in your raspberry almond thumbprint cookies. The mixture should become pale in color and increase slightly in volume. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until well combined. The almond extract is what gives these cookies their distinctive flavor, so don’t skip it!

Creaming butter, sugar, and vanilla for Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies. — Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures light, tender cookies

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. The almond flour adds a wonderful texture and nutty flavor to these raspberry almond thumbprint cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the cookies tough rather than tender. The dough should come together but still be slightly crumbly – this is exactly what you want for perfect shortbread texture.

Mixing flour and almond meal into dough for Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies. — Combining the dry ingredients creates the perfect cookie dough consistency

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each) and place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. If the dough cracks around the edges when you make the indentation, simply smooth it out with your fingers. This thumbprint will hold our delicious raspberry jam filling.

If you’re looking for other great recipes to pair with these cookies, why not try our creamy garlic sauce baby potatoes for a savory side dish?

Dough balls arranged on baking sheet for Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies. — Perfectly shaped dough balls ready for their jam filling

Step 4: Add Jam and Bake

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam. For best results, use a thick, high-quality jam that won’t run too much during baking. If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges for extra crunch and visual appeal. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. Let the raspberry almond thumbprint cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For more baking inspiration, check out this similar recipe from Cooking Classy that offers some additional variations on this classic cookie.

Filling thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam for baking. — The jam filling adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor

4. Expert Tips and Variations

Storage Tips

Store your raspberry almond thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months – just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. The dough can also be frozen before baking – shape the cookies and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw – just add a couple minutes to the baking time.

Creative Variations

One of the best things about thumbprint cookies is how versatile they are. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Jam Variations: Try different jams like apricot, blackberry, or strawberry. For a festive look, use multiple jam colors.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the almond.
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking and cooling, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
Nut Alternatives: Replace almond extract with hazelnut or coconut extract for different flavor profiles.

If you’re looking for more meal ideas to balance out your dessert, check out our slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice or our ground beef and potatoes recipes for satisfying main dishes.

5. Conclusion

These raspberry almond thumbprint cookies are truly special – they combine the rich, buttery goodness of classic shortbread with the nutty aroma of almonds and the vibrant sweetness of raspberry jam. What makes them stand out is their perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them.

Whether you’re baking them for a holiday cookie exchange, a special tea party, or just as a treat for your family, these cookies are sure to impress. Their beautiful presentation makes them look like they came from a professional bakery, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. The almond flour adds a lovely texture and depth of flavor that makes these raspberry almond thumbprint cookies stand out from ordinary thumbprint cookies.

For more great recipes for any time of day, explore our breakfast recipes and dinner recipes collections. And if you’d like to learn more about our site, visit our about page or read our disclaimer and terms and conditions.

Happy baking, and enjoy these delightful raspberry almond thumbprint cookies!

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