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To make Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies, you need the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1 large egg yolk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - Zest of 1 large lemon - 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam These simple ingredients come together to create a treat that is both sweet and tart. The butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. The sugars add sweetness and a nice texture. The egg yolk helps bind everything together. Vanilla and lemon zest boost the flavor, making each bite bright. Using seedless raspberry jam gives you a smooth, fruity filling that contrasts well with the buttery cookie. Each element plays a role. They work together to create a delightful experience for your taste buds. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - Line baking sheets with parchment paper Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is key for baking. While the oven warms up, grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper. This helps keep the cookies from sticking. - Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar In a large bowl, place the softened butter. Add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. - Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest - Mix until smooth Now, it’s time to add more flavor! Put in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until everything is smooth. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed. This step helps the cookies rise and taste great. - Combine wet and dry ingredients - Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes Next, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix! You want a soft dough. Once it's mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle later. - Roll dough into balls and create thumbprints - Fill with raspberry jam and bake After chilling, take the dough out. Scoop small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or a teaspoon to make a small indent in each ball. Be gentle! Fill each thumbprint with raspberry jam. Now, bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. They are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. - Let cookies cool on baking sheets and then transfer to wire rack Once baked, pull the cookies out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the lovely smell as they cool! To make great raspberry lemon thumbprint cookies, avoid over-mixing the dough. Over-mixing can make cookies tough. You want a soft, tender texture. When you mix, stop as soon as the flour disappears. This keeps the cookies light and fluffy. Chilling the dough is key. After mixing, wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Chilled dough also helps cookies hold their shape. For a lovely presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look beautiful. You can also garnish the plate with fresh raspberries and lemon slices. This not only adds color but also hints at the fresh flavors inside. Avoid overfilling the thumbprints with raspberry jam. If you add too much, it may spill over while baking. A spoonful is just right. Check your oven temperature. An oven that is too hot or too cold can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy. This helps ensure your cookies bake perfectly every time. Pro Tips Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps to solidify the butter, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Avoiding Over-Mixing: When incorporating dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones. Using Quality Jam: Opt for a high-quality, seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor. Homemade jam can elevate the taste even more! Perfect Indentations: To create a perfect thumbprint, use a teaspoon or your thumb but be mindful not to press too deep to avoid breaking through the bottom. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these cookies easily. Instead of raspberry jam, try strawberry or blueberry jam. Both choices add a sweet twist. You can also add nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts for crunch. For a richer taste, mix in chocolate chips. They will melt slightly and bring a new flavor to your cookies. If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. This swap works well and keeps the texture nice. For those seeking vegan options, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of the egg yolk, use a flax egg made from ground flaxseed and water. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy these cookies. Make these cookies special by adding seasonal fruits. In summer, try using fresh berries like blueberries or cherries. In fall, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor. You can also add zests from other fruits, like orange or lime, to brighten the taste. Each season brings a chance to create something new. Store your Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies at room temperature. Use an airtight container. This keeps them soft and tasty. A cookie jar also works well. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. You can freeze these cookies for long-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, take them out and let them sit at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh taste. When stored right, these cookies stay fresh for about one week. If you freeze them, they last longer. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their yummy flavor and texture. Thumbprint cookies are small, round cookies. They have an indent in the center. This spot usually holds jam or other spreads. This fun shape makes them easy to fill. The cookies are soft and buttery. They are a treat everyone loves. You can find many flavors. Raspberry lemon is one of my favorites! Yes, you can! Frozen raspberries work well. Just thaw and mash them first. You may want to add some sugar for sweetness. This makes a nice filling. Keep in mind, the texture may change. It may be a bit runnier than jam. Adjust the amount you use to fit the cookie's shape. You can prepare the dough a day early. Just cover it and chill in the fridge. When ready to bake, scoop and shape the cookies. You can also shape them and freeze the dough. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a bag. This way, you can bake them fresh later. Absolutely! If you don't have lemon zest, use orange zest. It gives a sweet and bright flavor. You can also try lime zest for a tangy twist. Each option brings a unique taste to the cookies. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors! In this post, we explored how to make delicious thumbprint cookies. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect cookies. Remember to chill the dough and avoid over-filling the thumbprints for the best results. Feel free to experiment with different jams and flavors to make them your own. Store them correctly, and they will stay fresh for days. Get baking and enjoy these tasty treats with family or friends!

Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Delightful cookies with a buttery base, filled with sweet raspberry jam and a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 large lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are combined smoothly and evenly.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well mixed. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; you want a soft dough to form.
  • To make the dough easier to handle, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
  • After chilling, take the dough out and scoop out small portions using your hands. Roll each portion into a ball about 1-inch in diameter. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart for even baking.
  • Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently create an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
  • Generously fill each thumbprint with a spoonful of raspberry jam, allowing it to settle into the indentations.
  • Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant touch, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar right before serving. Arrange them on a decorative platter.
Keyword cookies, dessert, lemon, raspberry