Name: Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry jam; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 1–2 Tablespoons (15–30g/ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk; optional: 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract

There’s something simply irresistible about the tender crunch of buttery cookies paired with a sweet burst of raspberry jam and a subtle almond hint. These Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe are one of my favorite treats to bake when I want something cozy and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

A white scalloped bowl filled with round thumbprint cookies, each cookie has a light golden base layer with a soft texture that looks slightly crumbly. In the center of each cookie is a bright red jam layer, smooth and shiny, sitting in a small well. The top layer features a thin drizzle of white icing in parallel lines across each cookie, adding a delicate decorative touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with cookie crumbs scattered around, showing a casual and inviting setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe for its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery dough with almond extract complements the tangy raspberry jam beautifully — it’s like a little bite of homemade happiness.

Simple yet elegant: These cookies look fancy but require just a handful of pantry staples, making them perfect for any day or special occasion.
Texture harmony: The crumbly shortbread base with juicy jam and a smooth icing drizzle creates an irresistible mouthfeel.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the dough in advance and bake fresh whenever the craving strikes.
Customization galore: The flavors can be tweaked easily by swapping jams or extracts to fit your mood or season.

The image shows many round cookies arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a pale golden base with a soft texture and a circular indentation in the center filled with shiny dark red jam. The top of each cookie is decorated with thin white icing lines drizzled diagonally across, adding a smooth and glossy detail. One cookie near the middle has a small bite taken out, revealing a soft crumb inside with a few crumbs scattered nearby. The overall look is neat and inviting, with the contrast between the pale cookie dough, dark red jam, and white icing creating an appealing pattern photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating that classic thumbprint flavor and texture combo. Selecting quality ingredients really shines through in the final result.

Flat lay of a small mound of soft unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of almond extract, a small pinch of salt scattered neatly, a simple heap of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant raspberry jam, and a small white ceramic bowl of confectioners’ sugar arranged perfectly on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: The star of the show for a rich, tender crumb; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness precisely.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that harmonizes with the almond.
Almond extract: This is your cookie’s secret weapon – it pairs so beautifully with raspberry, giving that classic thumbprint cookie aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure but the “spooned and leveled” method ensures the dough isn’t too dense.
Raspberry jam: I recommend a thick, high-quality preserve — you want it to hold its shape and pack that punch of fruitiness.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the icing glaze that adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful finish.
Heavy cream or milk: To thin the icing and give it that perfect drizzling consistency.
Optional extract for icing: A splash of vanilla or almond extract to echo the cookie’s flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you're tweaking the jam or adding extra flavors, don’t be afraid to customize!

Jam swaps: I’ve tried strawberry or blackberry jams and they work stunningly well. Each gives a slightly different vibe but keeps that sweet-tart balance I love.
Nutty twists: Sometimes, I add finely chopped toasted almonds into the dough for extra crunch and almond intensity — highly recommend!
Gluten-free option: Swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a great alternative. The texture changes slightly but it still melts in your mouth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start with softened unsalted butter—room temperature but still cool to the touch. Beat it on high speed for about a minute until smooth and creamy. Then, on medium speed, add the granulated sugar, vanilla, and almond extracts. Scrape the bowl often to ensure everything is mixed evenly. This step is key for that light texture, so don't rush it.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour and Salt Gently

Add the salt and all-purpose flour last, turning your mixer to low speed to prevent overworking the dough. The result should be soft and just barely sticky. If it feels too wet to roll, add a tablespoon more flour at a time — patience here means tender cookies later!

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll them smooth, then press a neat thumbprint in each — don’t worry if it cracks slightly; just smooth the edges gently with your fingers. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for the perfect shortbread texture and helps keep the cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Step 4: Fill, Bake, and Cool

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Space cookies 2-3 inches apart on a lined baking sheet, then spoon a scant ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation. Bake for 13-15 minutes — watch for light golden edges. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled before icing.

Step 5: Drizzle with Icing

Whisk confectioners’ sugar with your choice of heavy cream or milk until smooth and pourable. A splash of vanilla or almond extract in the icing really adds a nice touch. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and allow about an hour for that pretty glaze to set before enjoying.

Top Tip

From my baking adventures with this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe, I’ve picked up some tips that can save you time and ensure your cookies turn out impeccable every single time.

Keep the dough cold: This is the golden rule for any shortbread thumbprint cookie. Chilling gives the dough time to firm up and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Don’t overfill with jam: A scant half teaspoon in each thumbprint works best — too much and the jam might bubble over and burn.
Gently press your thumb: When making the indentation, press firmly but don’t break through the bottom. If cracks appear, a quick smoothing with your fingertip does wonders.
Use parchment or a silicone mat: This helps your cookies bake evenly and makes clean-up a breeze, plus it prevents sticking.

How to Serve Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

raspberry thumbprint cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple – a light icing drizzle is perfect. But if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted almonds around the edges or add a small fresh raspberry on top of each thumbprint for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with afternoon tea or a rich hot chocolate. I also love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a casual dessert plate that impresses guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or special celebrations, I arrange the thumbprint cookies on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh mint and edible flowers. Sometimes I build a layered cookie tower with ribbons around the base — it’s a great way to turn a simple cookie into a centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, and they stay surprisingly fresh thanks to the butter-rich dough. If I know I’m not eating them fast enough, I shift them to the fridge where they’ll keep up to a week.

Freezing

I love freezing shaped dough balls — after rolling and adding thumbprints, I pop them in a zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want cookies, just thaw them in the fridge and bake fresh. You can also freeze baked cookies (plain or iced) and thaw at room temperature without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To warm leftover cookies, I gently heat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their buttery softness and slightly melts the icing for a lovely melty treat — just be careful not to overheat or the jam might bubble out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use seedless raspberry jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both seeded and seedless raspberry jams work well in this recipe. Seedless jam gives a smoother texture while seeded adds a little crunch, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

How important is chilling the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to develop the cookie’s texture. I don’t recommend skipping the 4-hour minimum chill — it makes a noticeable difference in how the cookies bake up and hold their shape.

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

You can swap almond extract with additional vanilla extract or even a little lemon zest for a different twist, but the almond extract is key in giving these cookies their characteristic flavor, so I recommend using it if you can.

What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?

The best way is an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Keeping them away from moisture and air helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen routine. It’s one of those perfect-balance cookies that’s simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough to share with friends or bring to celebrations. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—they’re truly a little bite of joy that’s worth every buttery, jammy moment.