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 something absolutely charming about these little treats — buttery, tender cookies with a jewel-like dollop of raspberry jam nestled right in the center. This Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a go-to when I want to impress without fuss, offering a delightful almond undertone that pairs brilliantly with the tart-sweet raspberry. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find plenty of reasons to keep baking them!

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

What makes this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe so special to me is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Every bite delivers that soft, crumbly almond-scented cookie complementing the bright raspberry jam — it’s like a little burst of joy in each mouthful.

Simple to make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you don’t need to be an expert baker to nail these.
Delightful flavor combo: The almond extract enhances the cookie's richness while the raspberry jam adds fresh sweetness.
Great for gifting: These cookies look so pretty and taste homemade — perfect for sharing during special occasions or holidays.
Make-ahead friendly: You can freeze both the shaped dough and baked cookies, so you’re always ready for cookie cravings or unexpected guests.

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

This recipe balances luscious butter and a gentle almond note with fruity raspberry jam to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role in texture or flavor, so choosing quality components really shines here.

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: Using room temperature unsalted butter gives you creamy dough and lets you control the saltiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the classic shortbread texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor depth and warmth.
Almond extract: The secret hero that brings a gentle nutty aroma and taste.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the cookie tender.
Raspberry jam: Choose a thick, high-quality jam — either seeded or seedless — for that perfect fruity burst.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a smooth, delicate icing that doesn’t overpower.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking.

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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 my favorite things about this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to switch up the jam or add a sprinkle of nuts on top, it’s a fun recipe to make your own.

Variation: I love swapping raspberry jam with apricot or blackberry depending on the season — each gives a unique twist to the familiar almond cookie base.
Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and coconut milk for the icing, which still tastes fantastic.
Texture boost: Adding finely chopped toasted almonds on top of the jam before baking adds a lovely crunch and makes the cookies extra special.

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

Step 1: Cream the butter until luxuriously smooth

Start by beating the softened butter on high speed. It’s key to get it creamy and light — about a minute usually does it. This step sets the stage for tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it. I always scrape down the sides to make sure everything blends evenly.

Step 2: Build your dough with sugar, extracts, salt, and flour

Next, I switch the mixer to medium speed and add the sugar, pure vanilla, and almond extracts. After mixing these in, I add salt and flour slowly on low speed until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, a tablespoon of extra flour will save the day.

Step 3: Shape and chill—patience is your friend

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Press your thumb gently into the center to make an indentation. Don’t worry about slight cracks; smoothing them out with your fingers works wonders. Now, here’s the crucial part—chill those shaped cookies for at least four hours (or up to three days). The cold dough makes all the difference in keeping the shape while baking.

Step 4: Fill, bake, and cool

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spoon a scant ½ teaspoon of your chosen raspberry jam into each indentation. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown—don’t overbake! Let them cool a bit on the pan before transferring to a rack. Cooling fully before icing ensures the glaze sets perfectly.

Step 5: Whisk and drizzle the icing

For the pretty finishing touch, whisk your confectioners' sugar with heavy cream (or milk) until smooth. I sometimes add a hint of vanilla or almond extract here, too. Adjust the consistency so it drizzles easily but isn't too runny, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Give the icing about an hour to set before enjoying.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things making this Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe that really make the baking easier and the results better. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and might just save you some frustration.

Chill, chill, chill: Never skip the chilling step. Cold dough prevents spreading and cracking, keeping your cookies perfectly shaped.
Don’t overfill: A scant half teaspoon jam is enough — too much, and the cookies can get soggy or spill over during baking.
Smooth cracks gently: Thumbprint dough sometimes cracks around the indent — just smooth with your finger; it won’t affect baking.
Use quality extracts: Real vanilla and almond extracts make a huge flavor difference, so avoid imitations if you can.

How to Serve Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

raspberry thumbprint cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For serving, I often sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted almonds over the icing just before it sets — it adds a crunchy contrast and looks so inviting! Sometimes I dust with a pinch of extra powdered sugar for that snowy touch, especially during holidays.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cookies with a hot cup of tea or a creamy latte. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a casual dessert plate that feels special but effortless.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert tray alongside sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers. Gift them in a pretty box layered with parchment paper, and tie with a ribbon for a handmade treat that friends will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh for up to two days without losing their tender crumb. Beyond that, refrigeration helps preserve them up to a week, just bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

One of my fave hacks is freezing the shaped, unbaked dough. It keeps for up to three months, and I bake fresh cookies whenever I want—just thaw in the fridge the day before. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully, with or without icing, making it super convenient to have treats on hand.

Reheating

I gently warm cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to soften them up without melting the jam or icing. This refreshes their delicate texture and brings out the almond aroma nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use jam flavors other than raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam pairs beautifully with the almond notes, apricot, strawberry, and blackberry jams all work wonderfully and offer delightful flavor variations.

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

The dough might crack slightly as you press your thumb in. Just gently smooth the cracks with your fingers, and chill the dough well before baking. Cold dough helps keep the cookies from spreading or cracking further.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the unsalted butter for a high-quality vegan butter and use plant-based milk or cream alternatives for the icing. The texture and flavor will remain lovely with these substitutions.

How long do the cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 2 days. Keep them refrigerated for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoires — whether it’s for a family gathering, a thoughtful gift, or simply a cozy afternoon treat with tea. I hope you’ll find them as rewarding to bake and share as I do. Give these cookies a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to bake time and time again!