Name: Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons freeze dried raspberry powder, sifted; 10 oz raspberry jam

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both charming and bursting with berry flavor, this Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a total winner. Think tender, buttery dough kissed with freeze-dried raspberry powder and crowned with sweet raspberry jam — all formed into the cutest heart shapes.

A close-up pile of round, pink cookies with two layers each; the base layer is soft and smooth with a light brown hint visible at the edge, while the top layer is bright pink and has a heart-shaped cut-out in the center filled with shiny, dark red fruit jam with a slightly chunky texture. The cookies are snugly stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The jam adds a glossy contrast to the matte cookie layers. 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 Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies more times than I can count, and honestly, they never fail to brighten up the kitchen — or the day! They’re the kind of cookie that feels special but is easy enough to whip up anytime.

Delicate Berry Flavor: Freeze-dried raspberry powder gives the dough a fragrant, tangy note that’s subtle but unmistakably raspberry.
Perfect Texture: The buttery dough stays tender and soft, while the jam adds just the right amount of sweetness and stickiness.
Adorable Presentation: Those heart-shaped thumbprints make these cookies especially cute for gifts or gatherings.
Great Make-Ahead Treat: Chill the dough ahead and freeze the finished cookies to have ready for any occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients come together to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture with a burst of raspberry in every bite. I recommend grabbing the best unsalted butter you can find, and if you can, get freeze-dried raspberries—you’ll see why I love using the powder in the dough.

Flat lay of a small pile of pale yellow unsalted butter blocks, a white ceramic bowl filled with fine granulated white sugar, two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl of golden vanilla extract, a mound of white all-purpose flour, a tiny heap of fine pink freeze-dried raspberry powder, a small white bowl overflowing with bright red raspberry jam, and a pinch of coarse kosher salt crystals arranged neatly in a white ceramic dish, all placed 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: Softened butter is essential for a tender crumb and creamy texture without added salt.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that nice golden edge as the cookies bake.
Egg Yolks: These enrich the dough and give it a slight chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that complements the raspberry beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds these cookies together while keeping them soft.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
Freeze Dried Raspberry Powder: This little secret ingredient infuses the dough with natural berry flavor without extra moisture.
Raspberry Jam: The sweet and fruity filling that nests perfectly inside each heart-shaped thumbprint.

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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

These Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies are a charming canvas for your creativity. Whether you want to add a nutty crunch, swap flavors, or make them dietary-friendly, personalizing this recipe is a joy—and every variation tastes like a hug in cookie form!

Nutty Twist: Adding finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough adds a lovely texture contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the raspberry beautifully. I love sprinkling some crushed pistachios on top of the jam before baking for an elegant finish!
Vegan Version: Replace butter with a vegan butter alternative and swap the egg yolks with flaxseed “eggs” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg yolk), then chill the dough a bit longer to help it firm up. The freeze-dried raspberry powder packs plenty of flavor here, so your vegan cookies stay vibrant and delicious.
Seasonal Jam Swap: While raspberry jam is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other jams like apricot, strawberry, or even lavender-infused preserves. Each brings a unique sweetness and aroma—just maintain the heart-shaped thumbprint for that signature charm.
Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with the dry ingredients and fill the hearts with chocolate ganache or chocolate-hazelnut spread for a decadent twist that pairs perfectly with the raspberry jam.
Freeze-Dried Fruit Alternatives: If you can’t find freeze-dried raspberries, try freeze-dried strawberries or blueberries instead. Just grind and sift them as you would with raspberries to infuse the cookie dough with a lovely fruity aroma and color.

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

The image shows a white plate filled with many small round pink cookies, each with a heart-shaped cutout in the center filled with shiny dark red jam. The cookies have a soft, slightly textured surface and are stacked lightly on top of each other. Around the plate, there are a few more cookies placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. In the top right corner, a white bowl holds a bright pink powder with a small spoon inside. At the bottom of the image, a white bowl with a red rim is filled with fresh raspberries, and a few raspberries are scattered nearby. A red cloth with a white pattern lies under part of the white plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

Start by letting your butter soften to room temperature—this ensures it blends smoothly. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture that smells sweet and fresh. This step is key as it creates tiny air pockets that help give the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract

Next, add the two egg yolks and vanilla extract directly to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix everything together until the batter feels silky smooth. The egg yolks enrich the dough with a delicate creaminess, while the vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and the sifted freeze-dried raspberry powder. The raspberry powder is the magic ingredient here—it infuses the dough with a natural, vibrant raspberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue. Make sure to sift it well to avoid any clumps and get a fine, even distribution.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet, Gently

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, doing it in two batches for better control. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make your cookies tough. The dough should look smooth but still soft. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Step 5: Chill the Dough for 30 Minutes

Pop the covered dough into the fridge for 30 minutes. This chilling period firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their signature heart indentations when baked.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and pop off the pan easily once cooled. Having everything ready before shaping makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies and Create Heart Indentations

Scoop out one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball with your hands. Gently flatten it into a puck shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between cookies to allow spreading. Then, using your pinky or index finger, press gently about three-quarters of the way down to create a perfect little heart indentation. This adds the cookie’s charming signature touch—my favorite part!

Step 8: Fill Heart Indentations with Raspberry Jam

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each heart indentation almost to the top with raspberry jam. This vibrant jewel-like filling is the flavor star and makes these cookies irresistibly lovely. Aim not to overfill, to avoid jam spilling over while baking.

Step 9: Chill Shaped Cookies Again for 10-15 Minutes

Return the cookie-lined baking sheets to the refrigerator for another 10 to 15 minutes before baking. This little extra chill helps the cookies maintain their shape and keeps the jam from running during baking—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference!

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Soft on Top

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes in your preheated oven. The bottoms should turn a lovely golden brown, but the tops may still feel soft. Don’t worry—once cooled on a wire rack, the cookies will set up perfectly while remaining tender.

Step 11: Cool Completely Before Enjoying

Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step is important because it allows the fruit jam to set inside the heart-shaped thumbprint and lets the cookies firm up enough to handle without breaking.

Side Dishes

They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, fresh berry-infused lemonade, or even a mild coffee latte — making them a fantastic treat for afternoon tea parties or cozy dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the cookies tender and the jam fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just layer them carefully with parchment paper in between each cookie to prevent sticking, and keep the container airtight to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, keeping an eye so the jam doesn’t get too hot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried raspberry powder?

Freeze-dried raspberry powder adds concentrated flavor without extra moisture, which keeps the cookie dough tender and stable. Fresh raspberries have much higher moisture content and would affect dough texture and cookie structure if substituted.

How do I prevent the jam from spilling out during baking?

Chilling the filled cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking helps the dough firm up and hold the jam in place. Also, avoid overfilling the heart indentations to minimize spillover.

What’s the best way to make the heart-shaped indentation?

Using your pinky or index finger to gently press about three-quarters deep into the cookie dough ball creates a charming heart shape that holds jam nicely without breaking through.

Can I substitute raspberry jam with another flavor?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam complements the raspberry powder beautifully, you can use strawberry, apricot, or any fruit jam of your choice to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

These Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe are truly a labor of love—delicate, colorful, and bursting with raspberry flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the combination of tender buttery dough and sweet jam will warm your heart and brighten your day. I hope these tips and tricks help you create batches of beautiful, delicious cookies that bring smiles all around!