Name: Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
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 (~1 1.25oz bag of freeze dried raspberries); 10 oz raspberry jam

If you’re looking to impress with a sweet that’s both charming and bursting with flavor, this Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. These little bites marry a tender, buttery dough with the vibrant zing of raspberry, all nestled in the cutest heart-shaped jam centers.

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
Top Tip
How to Serve Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart (pun intended!) because it’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, these cookies bring joy and smiles with every bite.

Beautiful Presentation: Those heart-shaped jam centers? Instant conversation starters and perfect for gifting.
Vibrant Raspberry Flavor: Freeze-dried raspberry powder in the dough gives a subtle yet distinct fruitiness that’s truly unique.
Soft, Buttery Texture: The dough is melt-in-your-mouth tender with just the right balance of sweetness.
Simple Yet Special: Basic pantry ingredients plus one fancy twist make these cookies extra memorable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into the baking, let me give you a quick rundown on the essentials. I like using high-quality ingredients because they make a noticeable difference here, especially the freeze-dried raspberry powder — it’s key to that beautifully fruity 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 to room temp for easy creaming, it creates a tender, rich base for the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
Egg Yolks: These enrich the dough, giving it a lovely golden color and soft crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to round out the flavors and add warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure without toughness.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder: This is the real star—blended raspberries that add concentrated fruity flavor and a pretty pink hue.
Raspberry Jam: For the filling, choose a quality jam with real fruit pieces for best texture and tang.

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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 the best parts about the Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to try different fillings or tweak the flavors, these cookies are a great canvas for creativity and celebration!

Fruit Jam Variations: I love swapping raspberry jam for strawberry or apricot preserves when I want a different fruity twist. Each brings its own unique sweetness and brightness to the cookies.
Nutty Texture: Adding a tablespoon of finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough adds a subtle crunch and a lovely nutty aroma that complements the raspberry flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent touch, try dipping the baked cookies partially in melted dark or white chocolate. It adds richness and makes these treats extra special for gifting.
Diet-Friendly Switches: To make these gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and use a flax egg instead of egg yolks. The cookies remain tender and delicious.

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 Fluffy

Start by placing 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar into a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip them together on medium speed for about 3 minutes. You want the mixture to become light, airy, and pale in color — this is what gives the cookies their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla for Richness

Next, add 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Continue mixing until everything is smooth and fully combined. The yolks enrich the dough, creating a soft crumb that balances perfectly with the raspberry tang.

Step 3: Whisk and Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and 4 tablespoons sifted freeze-dried raspberry powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the raspberry flavor and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients in two batches, folding gently to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for Perfect Handling

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up so it’s easier to shape the cookies and prevents spreading during baking. It’s a little patience that pays off in the loveliest texture.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This nonstick layer ensures your cookies come off effortlessly and bake evenly.

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls and Press Heart Indentations

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it gently between your palms into a ball. Then, flatten it slightly into a puck shape before placing it on the lined baking sheet. To create the charming heart indentation, press your pinky or index finger into the dough ball about three-quarters of the way down—just be careful not to break through. This creates the perfect little well for the raspberry jam.

Step 7: Fill the Hearts with Raspberry Jam

Spoon or pipe raspberry jam into each heart-shaped well, filling it almost to the top but not overflowing. I find using a small piping bag or a spoon with a narrow tip really helps get a neat, precise fill.

Step 8: Chill the Filled Cookies Before Baking

Return the cookie sheets to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This extra chilling step helps the dough hold its shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much as they bake.

Step 9: Bake Until Lightly Browned and Set

Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. Look for lightly browned bottoms as your cue—the tops may still feel soft, but don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool. This gentle bake keeps them tender and buttery without becoming dry.

Step 10: Cool Completely Before Enjoying

Use a spatula to transfer the cookies onto a wire rack and let them cool fully. This allows the jam filling to set beautifully and the flavors to meld. Once cool, these cookies are ready to share or pack up as delightful gifts.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is all about the details. These tips will help you achieve tender, beautifully shaped cookies with vibrant raspberry flavor every time.

Chill Your Dough Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that chilling the dough twice—once before shaping and again after filling—makes all the difference in keeping those crisp heart indentations intact during baking.
Use Your Pinky Finger for Heart Indentations: It might sound odd, but using your pinky or index finger allows you to easily create a delicate heart shape without breaking the dough through.
Sift Your Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder: Sifting removes those tiny seeds that can cause gummy spots; this ensures your cookie dough stays soft and evenly colored.
Don’t Overbake: The tops might still look soft when you pull them out of the oven, but resist the urge to bake longer. They’ll set nicely as they cool for that perfect tender bite.

How to Serve Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a thick, crumbly red mixture being mixed by two metal beaters from a hand mixer positioned on the right side of the bowl, with some of the red mixture stuck to the sides of the bowl. Around the bowl, there is a small white dish with fresh whole raspberries at the bottom left corner, a small white bowl with bright red powder at the top right, and a small glass jar of raspberry jam with a spoon inside it at the top left. The setup is on a wooden surface with a few loose raspberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the charming look and taste of these cookies, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or a few extra crumbs of freeze-dried raspberry powder for a pop of color. Fresh mint leaves placed alongside make a lovely, fresh contrast. A tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate over the jam hearts can add an elegant touch without overpowering the raspberry flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea—especially green or Earl Grey—to complement the fruity tang. For a dessert spread, include them alongside lemon bars or vanilla bean shortbread for a delightful variety. They also shine as part of a festive brunch with fresh berries and whipped cream on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will maintain their tender texture and vibrant raspberry flavor perfectly.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead for a special occasion, freeze them for up to three months. Just layer them between parchment paper inside an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, just until soft and fragrant. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookie edges tough or the jam too hot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Fresh raspberries have too much moisture and would alter the dough’s texture. The freeze-dried raspberry powder provides concentrated flavor and color without adding moisture, which is key for the perfect cookie texture.

What type of raspberry jam works best?

Use a smooth, high-quality raspberry jam for the best filling texture and flavor. Seedless or strained jams help keep the heart indentations neat and prevent seeds from interfering with the cookie’s tender crumb.

Why do I need to chill the cookies after filling them with jam?

Chilling the filled cookies helps the dough firm up again, so they hold their shape and the heart indentation stays defined through baking. This step is crucial for those signature heart-shaped centers.

Can I use a different jam flavor?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam complements the raspberry powder beautifully, you can try strawberry or cherry jam for a lovely twist. Just make sure the jam is not too runny to maintain the cookie shape.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking cookies that not only taste divine but also carry a little heart in every bite. This Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is my go-to when I want to share a bit of love with friends or add a charming touch to celebrations. I hope these tender, buttery treats with their bright raspberry notes bring you as much joy making them as I do enjoying every last crumb. Happy baking!