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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, even surface for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, achieving a pale, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth.
- Gradually fold in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- Spoon raspberry jam into each thumbprint, being careful not to overfill the centers.
- Scatter fresh raspberries and lemon zest over the cookies for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the cookies appear set.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
- Sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the cooled cookies, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- 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