Save These buttery Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are the little showstoppers I rely on every holiday season Nothing beats the magical moment of pulling the tray from the oven and seeing those jewel-like centers gleaming These are sweet tender and just the right touch for after-dinner coffee or kid-friendly snacking
Whenever I make these my kitchen smells cozy and inviting I first learned this recipe from my grandmother and it instantly brings back afternoons baking together
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives the cookies their soft and sturdy base sift for best texture
- Unsalted butter: makes the cookies rich and flaky choose high quality for the best results
- Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps cookies brown evenly
- Almond extract: delivers that signature nutty aroma only use pure extract for stronger flavor
- Egg yolk: lends richness and keeps the dough tender select fresh eggs for better binding
- Raspberry jam: brings a sweet tangy punch opt for seedless and good quality
- Finely chopped almonds: for sprinkling add crunch and depth toast lightly for extra flavor
- Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness and sharpens every note use fine sea salt if possible
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl using a handheld mixer for about three minutes until light and fluffy Scrape down the sides as you go to ensure an even texture
- Flavor and Bind the Dough:
- Add egg yolk and almond extract Mix until fully combined The mixture might look slightly curdled but keep beating until it smooths out
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt directly into the wet mixture Gently blend with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender
- Shape and Chill:
- Form small balls using one tablespoon of dough each Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a well in the center of each ball Chill the tray in the fridge for at least twenty minutes so the cookies hold their shape while baking
- Fill and Decorate:
- Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Spoon about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation Sprinkle chopped almonds lightly over the tops
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for fourteen to sixteen minutes until the edges turn light golden Let cookies rest on the tray for three minutes before transferring to a wire rack They will firm up as they cool
- Let Cool and Serve:
- Allow cookies to cool fully so the jam sets Then enjoy the fragrant almond aroma and that perfect bite
Save For me the raspberry jam makes these truly memorable because it contrasts perfectly with the subtle almond The best part is watching kids press their thumbs into the dough and sneak tastes of the jam just like my own did last December These cookies always spark laughter and a sense of tradition
Storage Tips
Store cooled cookies in a tin lined with parchment to keep them crisp for up to five days If layering place parchment between rows to prevent sticking To freeze arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet freeze until solid then transfer to bags They keep well for three months
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap almond extract with vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor Use any seedless jam you love blueberry and cherry both work Dairy free butter substitutes perform just fine but taste may be different
Serving Suggestions
Serve these thumbprints as part of a holiday cookie platter Pair with coffee or tea the almond and raspberry notes complement warm beverages Try crumbling over vanilla ice cream for a five minute dessert
Cultural and Historical Context
Thumbprint cookies have Swedish origins often called Hallongrotta which means raspberry cave They became popular in American kitchens for their whimsical appearance and ease Family gatherings especially during festive seasons often feature these nostalgic treats
Seasonal Adaptations
Change the jam flavor to match the season Add citrus zest to the dough in springtime for extra brightness Switch almonds for toasted hazelnuts in winter for deeper flavor
Save The finished cookies are gleaming little jewels perfect for any celebration Try them once and they might just become your new holiday tradition
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of almonds work best?
Finely ground blanched almonds lend a smooth, buttery texture and subtle nutty flavor to the dough.
- → Can I use other jam flavors?
Yes, apricot, blueberry, or strawberry preserves also work well for thumbprint centers.
- → How do I achieve the perfect thumbprint shape?
Roll dough into balls, gently press with your thumb, then fill each dent with a small spoonful of jam before baking.
- → Should I chill the dough before forming cookies?
Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier, so refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain tender and flavorful for up to a week.