Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, cream cheese-infused dough with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam center. These cookies offer a delightful balance of creamy and fruity flavors, making them an irresistible treat for holiday gatherings or as an everyday indulgence. With a simple prep process and a short bake time, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fruit preserves. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these thumbprint cookies are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth!

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Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s what makes these cookies stand out:

• Creamy Texture: The dough is enriched with cream cheese, giving the cookies a soft, tender bite.
• Burst of Fruit Flavor: The raspberry preserves in the center add a tangy, sweet contrast to the creaminess of the cookie.
• Simple & Quick: With only a 15-minute prep time and 12 minutes in the oven, you’ll have fresh, homemade cookies in no time.
• Customizable: Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry to change up the flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cookie Dough:

• Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter (8 tablespoons, at room temperature): Brings a buttery flavor that complements the cream cheese.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Provides the sweetness needed for the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup + 3 tablespoons): Forms the structure of the dough, giving the cookies their texture.

For the Raspberry Jam Center:

• Raspberry Preserves (¼ cup): The star ingredient in these cookies, providing a sweet, tart contrast to the soft cookie dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. About 30 minutes into the chilling time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
3. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 5: Fill with Preserves

1. Fill each indentation with approximately ½ teaspoon of raspberry preserves. Be sure not to overfill, as the preserves may spill out during baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as the cookies cool.
2. Keep an eye on the cookies during baking to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 7: Cool

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Storage and Variations

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a parchment-lined sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves or jams such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot for a fun twist. You can even mix and match flavors for a variety of unique cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for a wide range of occasions:

• Holiday Gatherings: Their festive appearance and sweet flavor make them ideal for holiday parties or cookie swaps.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea for a relaxing treat during your afternoon break.
• Gifts: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift, especially when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
• Snack Time: They’re perfect for a quick, sweet snack any time of the day!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are a fantastic blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. The combination of cream cheese in the dough with the tartness of raspberry preserves creates a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a fun holiday bake or a quick dessert for any occasion, Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.