![- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup raspberry jam - 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted, for garnish) - 1/4 teaspoon salt Using unsalted butter is key. It lets you control the salt in your cookies. Salted butter can make your cookies too salty, which is not good for flavor. Always choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste. For the raspberry jam, look for one that is thick and fruity. You want a jam that has real fruit and not too much sugar. This choice will give your cookies a fresh, vibrant flavor. If you can find homemade or small-batch jams, they often taste better. Toasting the almonds adds a nice crunch and deep flavor. When you toast them, they turn golden and smell sweet. Simply place sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir them often and watch closely. They can burn quickly. This small step makes a big difference in taste and presentation. You can find the full recipe above for step-by-step instructions on making these delicious cookies. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even baking. 2. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents cookies from sticking. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar. I mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Then, add the almond extract. Mix it in until you can’t see any lumps of butter. 5. Next, sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix slowly until everything combines. The dough may feel crumbly but should stick together when pressed. 6. Using your hands, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. 7. Now, make an indentation in each cookie ball. I use my thumb or the back of a measuring spoon. This creates space for the jam. 8. Fill each thumbprint with about a teaspoon of raspberry jam. Make sure not to overfill. You want the jam to stay in the center. 9. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of each cookie. This adds a nice crunch and more flavor. 10. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. 11. After baking, cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies! For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough. After mixing, wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up. Also, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the dough on them. For the perfect thumbprint shape, use your thumb or the back of a small spoon. Press gently but firmly in the center. Aim for a nice, deep indentation. It should hold the jam well without overflowing. The best drinks to pair with these cookies are tea or coffee. The nutty almond flavor matches well with both. You could also try a light sparkling wine for a festive touch. To present your cookies creatively, use a decorative platter. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You could also arrange them with fresh raspberries or mint leaves. This adds color and makes them look inviting. If your dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon or two of water. Mix until it holds together better. Do this slowly so you don’t make it too wet. To avoid jam overflow, fill the thumbprint carefully. Use about a teaspoon of jam. Don’t overfill, as the jam can bubble over while baking. Keeping it neat ensures your cookies look great! {{image_2}} You can switch up the jam to create unique flavors. Try strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam. Each fruit brings its own charm. If you want to add more depth, use different extracts. Vanilla or coconut can give a new twist. Almond is classic, but these options can surprise your taste buds. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both will work well in this recipe. For a vegan version, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Replace the egg with applesauce or a flax egg. These changes can keep the spirit of the cookie while meeting your dietary needs. Add a splash of fun by using food coloring in the dough. A few drops can make your cookies pop. You can also zest citrus into the dough for a fresh taste. Lemon or orange zest adds brightness and pairs well with raspberry. These small tweaks can elevate the cookie and impress your friends. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the cookies soft and delicious for several days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze, wrap cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in texture or smell. If they feel hard or smell off, it's best to toss them. To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain their soft texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy or soggy. For best results, stick with the oven method. You can tell the cookies are done when the edges turn lightly golden. The center may still look soft, but it will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them around the 12-minute mark. If they look golden, they are ready to come out. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should be good for up to three days. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping. Thumbprint cookies have roots in Europe, dating back to the Middle Ages. They are known as "Husarenkrapfen" in Germany and "biscotti di pasta frolla" in Italy. Bakers shaped the cookies with their thumbs, creating a spot for jam filling. This fun method has stuck around, making them a favorite worldwide. Absolutely! You can swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a unique flavor. Just make sure to toast them for extra crunch and depth. If you prefer a nut-free option, try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and storage tips for delicious thumbprint cookies. I highlighted the importance of using unsalted butter and the best types of raspberry jam. Remember, toasting almonds enhances their flavor. You can also experiment with different jams or dietary options. Enjoy your baking process and the tasty results! These cookies are fun to make and share. Keep these tips in mind for your next baking session. Happy baking!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20271375-1faf-4de6-8c9d-365e83fe239d-250x250.webp)
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with this simple recipe. Combining buttery goodness with sweet raspberry jam and a hint of almond, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can bake a batch in just 35 minutes. Treat yourself and impress your guests—click to explore these mouthwatering cookies and make your next gathering unforgettable!