Description: Golden, buttery cookies with a sweet raspberry jam center and a tender crumble topping. A bakery-style treat made easy at home! These cookies are the perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a delightful experience with every bite. The buttery cookie base, the burst of raspberry sweetness, and the crumbly topping create a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of our cookie, providing richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened, but not melted, for the best results.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: The sweetness and tenderness of the cookie are enhanced by granulated sugar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and contributes to the cookie’s aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for a superior taste.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately for the right consistency. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife for best results.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless or with seeds, up to you!): The star of the show! Raspberry jam adds a fruity and tangy element. Seedless jam offers a smoother texture, but jam with seeds adds a touch of visual appeal and slightly more intense flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking. Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. This incorporates air into the butter and sugar, resulting in a light and tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results, and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Scoop out about 1/2 cup of the dough and set it aside for the topping. This reserved dough will be transformed into a delicious crumble topping.
Step 5: Roll the rest of the dough into 1.5-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Consistent ball size ensures even baking. Spacing them apart allows for proper air circulation.
Step 6: Gently press a well into the center of each ball using your thumb or spoon. Add 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each. This creates a pocket for the flavorful raspberry jam to nestle in.
Step 7: Crumble the reserved dough over the tops for a perfect buttery finish. Break the reserved dough into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the jam-filled cookies.
Step 8: Bake for 14–16 minutes, until edges are golden and crumble is just golden. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the crumble topping is golden. Let cool 5 minutes on the tray, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and allows them to firm up slightly.
Why you will love this recipe
These Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies are incredibly delicious and satisfying for several reasons:
- Perfect Texture Combination: The cookies offer a delightful mix of textures. The base is soft and buttery, the raspberry jam provides a smooth and gooey center, and the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Customizable: You can easily customize these cookies by swapping out the raspberry jam for other flavors or adding different spices to the dough.
- Bakery-Style Quality: These cookies have a gourmet taste and appearance, making them a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special gatherings. They’re also a great gift for friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Serve them as a dessert at your next dinner party or potluck.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat.
- Offer them as a sweet ending to a brunch spread.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
Tips:
- Chill the dough slightly if it gets too soft to handle. This will make it easier to roll into balls and prevent the jam from spreading too much during baking.
- Try swapping in strawberry, apricot, or fig jam for a twist. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your preferences.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the dough. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before using.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calories: ~165 kcal per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
Conclusion:
These Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of buttery cookie, sweet raspberry jam, and crumbly topping is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious cookies! Your family and friends will thank you.
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as pastry flour or whole wheat flour. Pastry flour will result in a more tender cookie, while whole wheat flour will add a slightly nutty flavor and denser texture. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe depending on the type of flour you use.
- Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply bring the dough to room temperature slightly before rolling into balls. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
- Q: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping? A: Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Some good options include pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Simply mix the nuts into the crumble topping before sprinkling it over the cookies.
- Q: What if I don’t have parchment paper? A: If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease your baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. However, parchment paper is recommended because it prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
