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; 2 Tablespoons (30g/ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract (optional)

There's nothing quite like the sweet, nutty aroma filling your kitchen as these little delights bake. The Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe perfectly blends buttery shortbread with a tangy raspberry center and a delicate almond touch that makes every bite unforgettable.

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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back to this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself. It’s classic, comforting, but with that little raspberry zing that truly makes it special.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The almond extract adds a subtle depth that lifts the buttery cookie and tart raspberry jam.
Simple Prep, Big Impact: Few ingredients and easy steps yield a bakery-worthy cookie right at home.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap out jams or add creative icings to fit your mood or occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough chills well, so you can prep ahead and bake when ready — a lifesaver for busy days.

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 component in this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe plays a key role, from richness to texture, and flavor. Good-quality ingredients will really shine here, especially that raspberry jam and almond extract.

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: Room temperature butter creates a smooth, creamy dough and rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie texture without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract: A classic base flavor that balances almond and raspberry notes.
Almond Extract: Essential for that signature nutty, slightly floral taste that pairs so well with raspberry.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; spooned and leveled for precise measurement helps avoid dense cookies.
Raspberry Jam: Use a thick, quality jam for the best burst of fruitiness.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For the delicate icing glaze that adds shine and a touch of sweetness.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps thin the icing to just the right drizzling consistency.

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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

I love how forgiving this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is. I’ve personally swapped jams depending on the season and even tried a little lemon zest in the dough for a citrusy twist. You can easily make it your own!

Variation: One time, I replaced raspberry jam with apricot preserves for a sunnier flavor that brightened up the cookies perfectly.
Diet-Friendly: You can swap out regular butter for a vegan alternative and use gluten-free flour—though texture might vary slightly.
Textural Twist: Try adding chopped toasted almonds around the jam center for extra crunch and a nutty pop.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Silky

Start by beating the softened butter on high speed until it’s nice and creamy — this usually takes about a minute. Then, turn to medium speed and mix in the sugar along with vanilla and almond extracts. Scraping the bowl as you go ensures every bit blends evenly. This step sets the scene for tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Flour and Salt Gently

Switch to low speed and gradually fold in the salt and flour. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it soft and just combined. If it feels too sticky for rolling, add a tablespoon more flour. The key here is a soft but manageable dough that holds its shape when chilled.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Scoop a tablespoon-sized piece of dough, roll it into balls, and place on the sheet. Press your thumb gently into each ball to create that classic thumbprint. Don’t worry if the dough cracks—just smooth it out with your fingers. Now, this step needs patience—refrigerate the whole batch for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to help cookies keep their shape.

Step 4: Fill with Raspberry Jam & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chilled cookies on a prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced. Fill each thumbprint with about ½ teaspoon raspberry jam—just enough for a bright pop of flavor without spilling over. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Remember, the cookies will puff and spread slightly, so resist the urge to overbake!

Step 5: Cool and Drizzle with Icing

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely (at least 30 minutes). Then whisk up the glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of cream or milk, adding your preferred extract if you like. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and let it set for about an hour. That delicate sweetness on top is what makes these cookies truly irresistible.

Top Tip

From my experience baking these Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe several times, some little tricks make a big difference. They help you get that perfect texture and gorgeous presentation every time.

Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skimp on chilling the dough — it’s essential to prevent spreading and cracking during baking.
Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense, dry cookies.
Use a Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper: It ensures cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking.
Fill Jam Carefully: Use just enough jam to fill the indent but not overflow — piping bags or a small spoon work wonders here.

How to Serve Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

raspberry almond thumbprint cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I love adding a few fresh raspberries or slivers of toasted almonds on top of the icing drizzle—that touch adds elegance and a hint of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the jam.

Side Dishes

Pair your Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with a cup of hot tea for cozy afternoons or a light latte when you want a café vibe at home. They’re also fantastic alongside a simple bowl of fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to arrange these cookies on a pretty platter lined with parchment and sprinkle edible rose petals or powdered sugar over the top. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon to gift friends and family—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I've found that storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them tasty for about two days. If they start to soften or lose crispness, moving them to the fridge extends their life up to a week, though I suggest letting them come to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze both the shaped dough (after chilling and thumbprinting) and the baked cookies. Just wrap them tightly, freeze for up to three months, and thaw in the fridge before baking or eating. This trick is perfect for holiday prep or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To revive their fresh-baked charm, I warm leftover cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a low oven (about 300°F). This re-softens the butter and refreshes the jam without melting the icing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of jam in this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic, you can substitute with strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or even marmalade depending on what you enjoy or have on hand. Just choose a thicker jam to avoid spreading too much.

Why is it important to chill the dough for this recipe?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps keep the thumbprint indentation intact for holding the jam perfectly. It also improves flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when making the thumbprint?

If the dough cracks when pressing your thumb, don’t worry! Just gently smooth the edges with your fingers. Also, make sure the dough isn’t too cold or dry before shaping – letting it warm up slightly or adding a bit more flour if needed can help.

Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can shape and chill the dough up to 3 days in advance or even freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months. Bake and add icing just before serving to keep them fresh and stunning.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire—it’s the kind of cookie that brings back warm memories and creates new ones with every batch. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do and share them with friends who appreciate a little homemade love. So grab your butter, jam, and that almond extract, and let’s make some magic in your kitchen!