Delicious Cream Cheese Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies to Savor

cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies! They’re like little bites of happiness, with a soft, tender texture and a tangy raspberry filling that just dances on your taste buds. I remember baking these with my grandmother when I was a kid, and the kitchen always filled with the most delightful aroma. It felt like a warm hug! You know, there’s something so comforting about making cookies that you can share with friends and family. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a lovely dessert after dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite of these buttery cookies with that luscious jam, you’ll be hooked! Now, let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious goodies together!

cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make these delightful cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the best texture)
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened (let it sit out for a bit to get that perfect spreadable consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam (you can use homemade or store-bought, whatever you prefer!)

These ingredients come together to create that soft, indulgent cookie with a sweet, tangy surprise in the middle. Feel free to gather everything before you start – it makes the process so much smoother!

How to Prepare Cream Cheese Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Now, let’s get our hands a little floury and create these lovely cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious treats ready in no time.

  1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out just right!
  2. Mix the cream cheese and butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add sugar and vanilla: Next, add in the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well again until everything is nicely combined. You want it to be fluffy and light, so give it a good stir!
  4. Incorporate the flour: Now, it’s time to gradually add the flour to the mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want soft cookies, not tough ones!
  5. Shape the dough: With your hands, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to spread out.
  6. Create the thumbprint: Here comes the fun part! Using your thumb (or the back of a small spoon), gently press down in the center of each ball to make a little indentation. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; they’ll still turn out great!
  7. Fill with raspberry jam: Carefully spoon a little raspberry jam into each indentation. You don’t want to overfill, just enough to give that sweet surprise when you bite into them!
  8. Bake: Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely light golden color on the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
  9. Cool down: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Patience is key here – they taste best when they’re just the right temperature!

And there you have it! Your very own cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, ready to be enjoyed. Just wait until you take that first bite; it’s pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
  • With their soft texture and tangy filling, these cookies are a delightful treat for your taste buds.
  • They make a beautiful addition to any gathering, from family dinners to holiday parties.
  • Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all to yourself on a cozy afternoon.
  • You can easily customize them with different jams or flavors to suit your preferences.
  • These cookies are a wonderful way to reminisce about childhood baking memories, bringing warmth to your kitchen.
  • They freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving hits!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to bake these delightful cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, here are some handy tips to ensure everything goes smoothly!

  • Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a nice, creamy texture that blends beautifully!
  • Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the flour with the wet ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender!
  • Experiment with jams: Feel free to swap out the raspberry jam for your favorite flavor – strawberry, apricot, or even a citrus marmalade work wonderfully! Each will give your cookies a unique twist.
  • Watch your baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
  • Cool completely: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy, letting you enjoy that delightful texture!
  • Gluten-free option: If you need to make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still turn out delicious!
  • Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape into those lovely little balls.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect batch of cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Variations

One of the best parts about these cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily customize them to match your taste or to use up whatever you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to consider:

  • Different Jams: While raspberry jam is simply divine, feel free to switch it up! Try using strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a fresh twist. Each flavor brings its own unique sweetness and tang to the cookies!
  • Nutty Addition: For a little crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough. Just mix in about 1/4 cup to give your cookies a delightful texture contrast.
  • Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. It’s a lovely way to elevate the taste, especially during the fall and winter months!
  • Citrus Zing: For a hint of brightness, mix in some lemon or orange zest into the dough. It adds a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and jam.
  • Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a fan of chocolate, why not try adding some cocoa powder to the dough? About 2 tablespoons should do it! You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
  • Herbal Infusion: For a unique flavor experience, experiment with adding a bit of fresh herbs like mint or basil to the filling. Just finely chop the herbs and mix them into the jam before filling the cookies.

With these variations, you can create endless combinations and flavors to suit any occasion or craving. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make these cookies truly your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up your delicious cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store them properly and some tips on reheating if you prefer them warm.

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and delicious for about 3-5 days. If you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too soft.

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which, let’s be honest, is sometimes hard to believe!), you can also freeze them for later. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Now, if you’d like to enjoy these cookies warm, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re warmed through. This will revive that lovely soft texture and enhance the flavors.

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating instructions, you can savor your cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies any time you like. Happy indulging!

Nutritional Information

As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what to expect in each cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookie:

  • Calories: 100
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 1g

These cookies are a delightful treat, and knowing the nutritional information can help you enjoy them with a little mindfulness. Remember, it’s all about balance! Enjoy your baking and the tasty results!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese gives these cookies their unique flavor and texture, you could try using mascarpone for a slightly different taste. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall consistency a bit!

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make dairy-free cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, look for dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. They’ll still be delicious!

What if I don’t have raspberry jam?
No worries at all! You can use any jam or preserve you have on hand. Strawberry, apricot, or even a fruit compote will work beautifully and add a different twist to your cookies.

How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your cookies should stay fresh for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!

Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the dough! Just shape the balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the dough being too warm. Try chilling the dough for a bit before baking, and ensure your butter isn’t too soft when mixing.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the dough balls to your liking. Just keep an eye on the baking time; smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones may need a little extra time in the oven.

What’s the best way to cool the cookies?
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing them from becoming soggy.

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cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies

Delicious Cream Cheese Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies to Savor


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies are delightful treats with a tangy filling and soft texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  3. Add sugar and vanilla extract; mix well.
  4. Gradually add flour, stirring until combined.
  5. Shape dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
  7. Fill each indentation with raspberry jam.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
  9. Let cool before serving.

Notes

  • For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Use any jam you prefer for filling.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container.
  • These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cream cheese raspberry thumbprint cookies, dessert recipes, easy cookies

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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