Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Introduction

When it comes to cookies, I love the ones that not only taste incredible but also have an element of surprise and delight. Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are exactly that. These cookies bring together the soft, buttery base with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet-tart punch of raspberry preserves. It’s a combination of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. I first made these cookies for a holiday gathering, and they were an immediate hit with my family and friends. The combination of the crisp yet soft cookie, the tangy cream cheese filling, and the sweet raspberry topping created the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making every bite a pleasure. These cookies have since become a staple at our family celebrations, and I always get asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

Condiments

• 1/4 cup Raspberry Preserves (for the sweet and tangy center of each cookie)

Baking & Spices

• 1 3/16 cups All-Purpose Flour (provides structure to the cookies)
• 1 3/16 cups Sugar (to sweeten both the dough and the cheesecake filling)

Dairy

• 8 tbsp Butter, salted (creates a rich, tender cookie base)
• 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (gives the cheesecake filling its creamy texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process typically takes around 3-4 minutes, and it’s essential for creating a tender, airy cookie. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms. At this point, the dough will be a bit sticky, so it’s important to cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up.

Step 2: Preheat and Shape
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Once the dough has chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so leaving enough space is crucial. Next, use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press too hard; you want a nice well to hold the cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with about 2 tablespoons of the sugar until smooth and creamy. This mixture should have a consistency that’s easy to spoon into the cookie indentations without spilling over the sides. Once the filling is smooth, spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each cookie’s indentation. Make sure to leave a little space at the edges for the raspberry preserves.

Step 4: Add Raspberry Preserves
Place a small dollop of raspberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling in each cookie. The preserves will create a vibrant, tangy contrast to the rich cream cheese filling. It’s important to use a good-quality preserve to get that deep, full flavor of fresh raspberries in every bite.

Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the cookies, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want the cookies to be golden but not overbaked. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 180
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fiber: 1g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• For Special Occasions: Serve these Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies at holidays, birthday parties, or family gatherings. The colorful raspberry center makes them visually stunning.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Gifting: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift. Pack them in a decorative box or jar and give them to friends and family during the holidays.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. It helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to soften the cream cheese and butter before mixing. This will help the ingredients combine more easily and create a smooth filling.
3. Don’t Overstuff the Cookies: When adding the cream cheese filling and raspberry preserves, be careful not to overfill the indentations. Too much filling can cause it to spill over as the cookies bake.
4. Substitute Flavors: You can swap the raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves, like strawberry or apricot, for a different twist on these thumbprint cookies.
5. Ensure Proper Baking: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be soft and tender.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) into the dough or on top of the cream cheese filling for a bit of crunch.
• Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake filling and raspberry preserves.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, like vegan butter and cashew cream cheese, to make these cookies dairy-free.
• Lemon Infusion: Add lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the raspberry flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Beverages: Serve these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate or a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The creamy, sweet filling pairs wonderfully with the warmth of these drinks.
• On a Dessert Table: Place these cookies on a dessert spread alongside other cookies and sweets for a holiday or party treat that will steal the spotlight.
• As a Topping for Ice Cream: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or serve them with a scoop of sorbet to make a decadent sundae.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent any moisture buildup.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different fruit preserve for the filling?
   Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot for a different flavor.
2. Do I have to use salted butter?
   You can use unsalted butter if you prefer, but the salted butter gives the cookies a nice balance of flavor.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake the cookies.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
   Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape of the cookies. Additionally, make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper.
5. What if I don’t have a thumbprint cookie tool?
   You can use the back of a spoon or your finger to make the indentation in the cookie dough.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
8. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them.
9. Can I add more filling to the cookies?
   You can add more filling, but be mindful not to overfill as it may spill over during baking.
10. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
    While cream cheese is key for the filling’s texture, you could substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are a delicious and elegant treat that will impress anyone who tries them. With their soft, buttery cookie base, creamy cheesecake

filling, and sweet raspberry preserve center, they’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family desserts. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a delight, and they’re sure to become a new favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

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