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Here we are. The last day of my how to create a holiday cookie box series and we’re ending with a classic — raspberry thumbprint cookies!
Of course this doesn’t mean that there will be no cookies left to put in your holiday cookie box! I have a bunch of cookie recipes on the blog and you can use the search feature to look for them.
Honestly, any cookie would be perfect in the holiday cookie box but I love how these raspberry thumbprint cookies look.
They remind me of linzer cookies but with just one cookie instead of two. I think it’s the jammy center that reminds me of it, haha
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
There is no almond flavoring in these raspberry thumbprint cookies. I know some thumbprint cookies have the almond extract added in but I kept it simple because I know some people don’t like that flavor.
You could also do half and half. Half almond flavoring, half plain.
You can also use any kind of jam! I personally love raspberry or blackberry but blueberry or grape works too. I would probably stick to jams and not do anything like marmalade. I think that could get too chunky and weird.
Tips for making raspberry thumbnail cookies
- You’ll definitely want to chill the dough otherwise it’ll spread too much and you’ll end up with barely any dough to put a well in the center.
- Don’t poke through the dough otherwise you’ll have jammy leakage!
- You don’t have to make the icing topping if you are short on time. It looks just as gorgeous with the powdered sugar!
More cookie recipes
Sugar Cookie Candy Cane Blossom Cookies
Chocolate Mint Pinwheel Cookies
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup of butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup of granulated sugar, divided
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or imitation vanilla flavor
- ¼ cup of powdered sugar
- 1 ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of raspberry preserves
For the icing:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Instructions
- Whip the butter with an electric mixer until light and smooth.
- Add in ¼ cup of the granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract and mix again for another minute.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together.
- Add it into the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula just until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Once the dough has cooled, preheat the oven to 350 °F. Then prepare a large baking tray with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Heat the raspberry preserves in a microwave for 20 seconds. Remove and stir, then return to the microwave and heat again for 10 more seconds.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and form a one-inch ball from the dough. Roll it in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Place 9-12 cookies on the pan, spread evenly and press your thumb or a ¼ teaspoon into the cookies quickly (do not let your thumb or spoon sit or the dough will start to stick).
- Fill the cavity with preserves just until it reaches the top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Repeat the baking process until all of the dough has been used.
- To make the icing, sift the powdered sugar into a medium size bowl, pour in the milk and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Lightly drizzle the icing over the cookies and let them dry completely for about 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
NUTRITION FACTS
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
Amber Fischer
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Unfortunately they were a disaster for me too. I did use 1 cup of butter but they just completely melted in the oven. I used whole wheat flour (as I did for all of my cookies) and idk if that was a deciding factor but they did not taste good at all :( I've never made wondow cookies before so it could very well be me but I won't be attempting again unless I can find a modified version. I'm so sorry! I'm glad to hear it worked for some people. 4 stars because I know how rating affect blogs and girl were just trying to make it all work!
Julie Chiou
Friday 24th of December 2021
aww im so sorry!! this is the kindest comment for a failed recipe i've ever received.
Michele bolinger
Sunday 19th of December 2021
Best recipe for thumbprints I have found.I tried two others and they were dry .These are much better !
Mason
Thursday 14th of January 2021
wow. this is incredible. tastes so good! (although i did have a leakage of jam) but is was awesome
Cindy
Sunday 13th of December 2020
This recipe was a complete disaster for me. I followed exactly and chilled the dough for over an hour. The dough was very crumbly and when I baked them they melted into oblivion. So disappointed.
Julie Chiou
Monday 14th of December 2020
Omg, Cindy! I'm so sorry that happened to you! You mentioned the dough was crumbly; can I check with you to see if you used 1 cup of butter or 1 stick of butter? Also they melted probably because of the chill time was too little (although I did it for a hour and that's why I said it in the recipe) so I'm wondering if 1 hour in the freezer would be better? Anyway, I'm really sorry!