5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful, simple cookie recipe that bursts with fruity sweetness and buttery goodness, then you have to try this 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe. These charming little cookies offer the perfect balance between tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough and vibrant raspberry jam nestled right in the center. With just five easy ingredients and a quick preparation time, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, these thumbprint cookies will quickly become your new favorite treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe so approachable is its reliance on simple, staple ingredients. Each plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, ensuring the cookies are soft, slightly crumbly, and irresistibly rich with a pop of raspberry.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and that tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel, while allowing you full control over the saltiness.
• Cream cheese (softened): Introduces moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that delicate browning on the edges.
• Raspberry preserves: The star flavor that offers fruity bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color in each cookie center.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures even baking and easy cleanup, setting you up for success before you even start mixing.

Step 2: Cream the Dairy and Sugar

In your mixer bowl, add the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar. Use medium speed to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that wonderfully tender texture, as creaming incorporates air into the dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Next, add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. On low speed, gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for spreading. Then, press your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into the center of each ball to create an indentation for the jam.

Step 5: Add the Raspberry Jam

Fill each thumbprint with about a teaspoon of raspberry preserves. You can spoon the jam directly, or place it in a small plastic bag with the tip cut off to pipe it neatly into the indentations. This step transforms each cookie into a jewel-like treat filled with fruit goodness.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack to set before indulging in their sweet, buttery charm.

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can enhance their appearance and flavor with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on the side. This adds a touch of elegance and a fresh contrast to the baked jam.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack. For brunch gatherings, pair with fresh fruit and a cheese platter to balance sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, or stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon as a charming homemade gift. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate over the jam centers to add a luxurious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your raspberry thumbprint cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to one week — perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Bake the cookies completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until soft and gooey again, just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries are delicious but don’t create the same gooey center; the preserves provide that perfect sticky texture and concentrated flavor necessary for this recipe.

What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I skip it?

Cream cheese adds moisture and a mild tang that’s crucial for the cookie’s texture and flavor, so skipping it will produce a different result. You might try substituting with an equal amount of softened butter, but expect a less tender cookie.

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic, you can experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry preserves to make your own unique twist on this 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are just softened, not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. This helps maintain the shape and keeps the jam nestled in the center.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try swapping in a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Raspberry Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe is an absolute treasure to have in your baking repertoire. It’s straightforward, quick, and yields beautifully flavorful cookies that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies bring joy to your kitchen and sweetness to your day. Give them a try—I promise they’ll become one of your go-to favorites for sharing and savoring!

Print