Zesty Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Sweet raspberry thumbprint cookies dance with zesty lemon glaze, promising a delightful twist on classic treats.

Buttery shortbread cradles vibrant fruit preserves in each delicate bite.

Crumbly edges give way to soft, jammy centers that melt on your tongue.

Sunshine-bright glaze adds a tangy finish to these irresistible morsels.

Baking these cookies fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that draw everyone closer.

Simple ingredients create magic when mixed with love and a pinch of creativity.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of these elegant, playful cookies that bring joy to any gathering.

Why Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze Are So Loved

• Master Culinary Simplicity: These thumbprint cookies showcase basic baking techniques perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike, requiring minimal specialized equipment.
• Burst with Fruity Delight: Combining fresh raspberries, raspberry jam, and zesty lemon creates a vibrant flavor profile that transforms a classic cookie into an extraordinary treat.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap raspberry jam with other fruit preserves or experiment with different zests to personalize these versatile cookies for various taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Elegant enough for special gatherings yet simple enough for casual family treats, these cookies offer universal appeal across different ages and occasions.

What Goes Into Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and enhances the cookie's flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie and provides a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Raspberry Jam: Provides a sweet and tangy center for the thumbprint cookies.
• Fresh Raspberries, Lemon Zest: Add bright, fresh flavors and a pop of color to the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that adds a final layer of flavor and sweetness.

How To Bake Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Cover it with parchment paper, creating a smooth landing spot for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend softened butter with granulated sugar. Beat them together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks pale and dreamy.

Step 3: Add Liquid Magic

Drop in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the mixture looks completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Create The Dough

• Flour
• Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms, but don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 5: Chill The Dough

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps the dough become more manageable and easier to shape.

Step 6: Shape The Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small, even balls. Place them carefully on the baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room.

Step 7: Make Cookie Wells

Use your thumb or a small spoon to press a gentle indent into the center of each cookie. This creates a perfect little pocket for delicious filling.

Step 8: Fill With Fruity Goodness

Spoon raspberry jam into each cookie’s center. Be gentle and avoid overfilling.

Step 9: Add Extra Flair

Sprinkle fresh raspberries and lemon zest over the cookies for a burst of flavor and beautiful appearance.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Cool Down

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Step 12: Craft The Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until you get a smooth, drizzle-ready consistency.

Step 13: Zest It Up

Sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze for an aromatic finishing touch.

Step 14: Drizzle With Delight

Pour the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.

Step 15: Let It Set

Give the glaze 10 minutes to set, allowing the flavors to mingle and the glaze to slightly harden before serving.

Tips To Get Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze Just Right

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Microwave butter for 10 seconds or leave at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
• Prevent Dough Sticking: Lightly dust hands with flour when rolling cookie balls to avoid messy, clingy dough.
• Create Uniform Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent size and even baking for professional-looking results.
• Control Jam Filling: Make a smaller indentation to prevent jam from overflowing during baking, keeping cookie edges clean and neat.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Swap raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry for a delightful flavor variation.

Different Ways To Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze

• Gluten-Free Raspberry Thumbprints: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicate texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Berry Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based jam to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Citrus Berry Variation: Substitute raspberry jam with orange marmalade or lemon curd, adding a zesty spin that complements the existing lemon glaze and enhances the cookie's brightness.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and select a sugar-free jam to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's delightful taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings For Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze

• Elevate Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Pairing
• Brew Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Delicate floral notes complement the sweet-tart raspberry and bright lemon flavors, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Match with Mascarpone Cream: Rich, silky mascarpone provides a luxurious counterpoint to the cookies' zesty and fruity profile, enhancing the overall dessert enjoyment.
• Serve with Candied Lemon Peel: Crisp, sugared lemon strips intensify the citrus undertones and add textural contrast to the soft, jammy cookies.
• Pour Chilled Prosecco: Sparkling wine's light effervescence and subtle sweetness beautifully balance the cookies' tangy and buttery characteristics.

Keep Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze Fresh And Crisp

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them cool and dry to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate thumbprint cookies.
• Let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and restore their original texture before enjoying.

Your Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze FAQ

• Can I use different types of jam?

Yes, you can swap raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or any favorite jam that complements the lemon flavor.

• How do I prevent my thumbprint cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking helps maintain the cookie’s shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• What if I don't have fresh raspberries?

Fresh raspberries are optional. You can skip them or use dried raspberries as a decorative and flavorful alternative.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, making it convenient for planning.

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies With Lemon Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet raspberry thumbprint cookies dance with zesty lemon glaze, creating a delightful harmony of fruity flavors. Crumbly, buttery shortbread serves as the perfect canvas for these irresistible treats you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling and Topping:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 2 tbsp fresh raspberries
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, even surface for your cookies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, achieving a pale, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth.
4. Gradually fold in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Chill the dough for 15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
6. Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie, forming a perfect well for the filling.
8. Spoon raspberry jam into each thumbprint, being careful not to overfill the centers.
9. Scatter fresh raspberries and lemon zest over the cookies for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the cookies appear set.
11. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
13. Sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze for an aromatic finishing touch.
14. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the cooled cookies, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
15. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to slightly harden.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother cookie texture.
• Chill Dough for Success: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Gentle Thumbprint Technique: Create shallow indentations carefully to prevent cookie cracks and ensure even jam distribution.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg