Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both delicate and flavorful, these Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are your new best friend! Picture this: buttery, soft cookies with a hint of vanilla and a burst of sweet-tart raspberry jam in the center. These cookies are pure bliss, and trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. They’re the perfect mix of comforting and refreshing, making them ideal for everything from afternoon tea to a fun, colorful addition to any celebration.

These cookies are simple to make but pack a lot of flavor. They’re buttery, crumbly, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy, thanks to the raspberry jam. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing as they bake. What’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies

Irresistibly Buttery:

These cookies are all about that rich, melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness. The dough is smooth and soft, making each bite feel like a little moment of indulgence.

Simple & Flavorful:

With just a few basic ingredients like butter, vanilla, and raspberry jam, you get a flavor combination that’s both comforting and fresh. The raspberry jam adds a nice fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla flavor.

Perfect Texture:

These cookies strike the ideal balance between crisp edges and soft centers. They hold their shape well, so they’re perfect for gifting or serving at a party.

Easy to Make:

These cookies come together easily and don’t require any fancy techniques. If you love simple, no-fuss recipes that deliver big on flavor, this is the one for you!

Beautiful Presentation:

With their vibrant red raspberry center, these cookies look as beautiful as they taste. They make a gorgeous addition to any cookie platter or gift box!

Ingredients in Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies

The ingredients for these Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are straightforward, but the combination creates something truly special.

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: The base of the dough, giving it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: The perfect flavor enhancer that complements the butter so beautifully.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough together and adds richness to the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the dough, creating a tender texture when baked.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light, airy texture.

For the Raspberry Filling:

• Raspberry Jam or Preserves: The star of the filling! Its fruity, slightly tart flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
• Optional: Powdered Sugar: If you want to dust the cookies after baking for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these delicious Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible cookies in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat until everything is well combined. The dough will start to come together nicely.

Next, slowly add in the flour and baking powder, mixing until just incorporated. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the dough is chilled, take small spoonfuls and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press too hard, as you just want enough space for the raspberry jam.

Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam

Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam or preserves into the center of each cookie indentation. Don’t overfill it—just a little dollop will do!

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be firm but soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch

Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. This step is optional but adds a beautiful finish to the cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18-24
Calories per serving: ~120-150 (varies depending on size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies

These cookies are so delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee:

Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat during your afternoon break.

As Part of a Cookie Platter:

These cookies make a gorgeous addition to any holiday or celebration cookie platter. They look beautiful alongside other treats like shortbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate truffles.

Wrapped for Gifts:

Pack these cookies in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re sure to impress family and friends!

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Use High-Quality Jam: Since raspberry jam is the star of these cookies, make sure to use a good-quality jam or preserves for the best flavor. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Don’t Overfill the Jam: When adding the jam to the cookies, be careful not to overfill the indentation. A small spoonful is all you need for that perfect burst of fruitiness without it spilling over.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of jam?
A1: Yes! You can use any jam or preserves you like. Strawberry, blueberry, or apricot would all work wonderfully as alternatives to raspberry.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and shaping.

Q3: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine. Just make sure the jam you use is also dairy-free!

Q4: How should I store these cookies?
A4: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Q5: Can I use a cookie press for these cookies?
A5: While these cookies are best shaped by hand, you could use a cookie press to create a fun design for the edges. Just be sure to leave room for the raspberry jam in the center!

Q6: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can make these cookies a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep their freshness and flavor.

Q7: How do I make the jam more spreadable?
A7: If your jam is a little too thick, warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spoon into the cookie centers.

Q8: Can I use egg whites instead of egg yolk?
A8: It’s best to use just the egg yolk for this recipe because it helps with the richness and texture of the dough. If you only have egg whites, you may need to adjust the recipe slightly.

Q9: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your jam is also gluten-free.

Q10: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A10: You can decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking, or drizzle some melted chocolate on top after they’ve cooled for a festive touch!

Conclusion

These Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are everything you could want in a cookie: buttery, sweet, and just the right touch of fruity goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy treat to share with loved ones, or you simply want to indulge in something delicious, these cookies will hit the spot every time. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, gift them to friends, or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge). They’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!

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