This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.
Raspberry Shortbread Cookies are our family’s favorite Christmas cookie. They are the first one requested and the first one to disappear.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Today’s recipe is one of our family’s favorite holiday cookies. It is the one cookie my children ask for year after year. The base is a delicious almond shortbread and the raspberry topping is the perfect addition. The almond flavor is perfection.
Ingredients Needed
- Butter. I use salted butter
- Sugar. You will need granulated and powdered sugar.
- Almond Extract. This makes these cookies amazing.
- Flour. I like to use unbleached all purpose flour
- Jam. Our favorite is raspberry but you can use whatever flavor you like.
- Whipping Cream. You can use milk too.
- Please note there are NO EGGS in this recipe. This is not an error.
Tips
- The dough may seem dry when mixing it up. You can use the warmth of your hands to bring the dough together. Don’t overmix as this may cause the cookies to flatten out.
- If you don’t like almond use vanilla extract or lemon extract instead.
- This is one of those cookies that I think actually tastes better the second day. They soften up a bit and are so yummy!
How to make Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
- Combine butter, sugar and 1/2 tsp almond extract in bowl. Mix at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
- Reduce speed and add in flour. Beat until well mixed.
- Keep beating until the dough just starts to come together. It will look somewhat dry and crumbly but as soon as it starts to come together, use your hands to finish it off and bring it into a ball. Don’t over mix.
- Form dough into a flattened disc and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate dough for about one hour.
- Form the dough into one inch balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Make an indentation into the cookie with your thumb (the cookie may crack a bit but that is o.k.) Do not push all the way through to the baking sheet.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/4 tsp of jam. I like to use raspberry but use your favorite flavor. Don’t overfill!
- Bake in a 350 degrees F. oven for about 14 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Mix up glaze while they are cooling.
- Drizzle with glaze.
It definitely wouldn’t be Christmas at our house without these raspberry shortbread cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze raspberry shortbread cookies?
They will freeze great. Follow my instructions for freezing cookies in this post.
How to store cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. There is no need to refrigerate them.
Can I leave the glaze off?
If you don’t want to put the glaze on you can give them a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It makes them look prettier and adds a touch of sweet.
If you love raspberry shortbread cookies, try these recipes!
Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.
Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
Raspberry Shortbread Cookies are a delicious raspberry thumbprint cookies made with buttery almond shortbread.
Prep:15 minutes
Cook:12 minutes
Total:27 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2-3 tsp. milk or whipping cream
Instructions
Cookies
- Combine butter, sugar and 1/2 tsp almond extract in bowl. Mix at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
- Reduce speed and add in flour.
- Keep beating until the dough just starts to come together. It will look somewhat dry and crumbly but as soon as all the flour is absorbed and it starts to come together, use your hands to finish it off and bring it into a ball. Don't over mix. The heat of your hands will help bring it together.
- Form the dough into a ball and cover, refrigerate until firm (at least one hour)
- Heat oven to 350 degrees
- Shape dough into one inch balls.
- Place 2 inches a part on a ungreased cookie sheet.
- Make an indentation with your thumb in the center of each ball.
- Fill the indentation with 1/4 tsp of jam. Do not overfill
- Bake for 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned
- Let stand 1 minute, remove from cookie sheet and cool completely.
Glaze
- Combine powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tsp almond extract and enough milk for desired glazing consistency.
- Drizzled over cool cookies
Tips & Notes:
The dough may seem dry when mixing it up. You can use the warmth of your hands to bring the dough together. Don’t overmix as this may cause the cookies to flatten out.
- If you don’t like almond use vanilla extract or lemon extract instead.
- This is one of those cookies that I think actually tastes better the second day. They soften up a bit and are so yummy!
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 168kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 23g (8%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 8g (12%) Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) Cholesterol: 20mg (7%) Sodium: 70mg (3%) Potassium: 19mg (1%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 14g (16%) Vitamin A: 236IU (5%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 6mg (1%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Beth says
My dough is too wet Do I add more flour?
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
yes, add some additional flour a tablespoon at a time
Bea says
These cookies are the best!! Easy recipe to follow and they are delicious!! My favorite now!! ❤️
Sandy Barger says
First time trying your shortbread cookies!
I used Solo pastry filling with cherry filling and they are awesome in flavor and looks!
Cyn says
Lovely recipe! Turned out great. Thanks for posting!
Rona says
Yum