Name: Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 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 all-purpose flour (280g); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons freeze dried raspberry powder, sifted (about 1 1.25oz bag of freeze dried raspberries); 10 oz raspberry jam

If you're in the mood for a sweet treat that's as adorable as it is delicious, this Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery cookies infused with raspberry powder and filled with vibrant raspberry jam are guaranteed to brighten any afternoon or holiday gathering.

The image shows many small round cookies stacked closely together. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a light brown base, and the top layer is a pinkish-purple dough with a soft texture. The top layer has a heart-shaped cutout in the center filled with shiny, dark red jam that looks smooth and slightly thick. The cookies are arranged on a white surface with a white marbled texture. 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

I can't get enough of how these cookies come together—simple ingredients, a pop of vibrant color, and that sweet jam heart in the center just steals the show every single time.

Perfect balance of flavors: The subtle raspberry powder in the dough complements the jam for an irresistible fruity punch.
Impressively easy to shape: The dough chills up nicely, making those heart indentations a breeze.
Soft texture with a crispy bottom: Just the right combo for a satisfying bite every time.
Great for any occasion: From casual tea time to festive holiday cookie trays, these fit right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab the freshest unsalted butter you can find and choose a raspberry jam that's flavorful but not runny. The freeze-dried raspberry powder is key here–it adds natural color and a concentrated raspberry flavor without extra moisture.

Flat lay of a small pile of unsalted butter cubes with a pale creamy color, a neat mound of granulated white sugar, two whole brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a simple white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small pinch of kosher salt displayed beside it, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely sifted bright pink freeze-dried raspberry powder, and a small white bowl filled with glossy deep red raspberry jam, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Provides rich flavor and tenderness; using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to create a slightly crisp bottom when baked.
Egg Yolks: Add richness and help bind the dough without adding too much liquid.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the tartness of the raspberries.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies their structure.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to brighten and deepen the flavors.
Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder: Concentrates raspberry flavor and adds a lovely pink hue without moisture.
Raspberry Jam: The luscious heart of the cookie—choose a thicker jam to hold its shape while baking.

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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 things about this Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap the filling, experiment with flavors, or accommodate special diets, these cookies invite your creativity with open arms!

Berry Swap: Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the raspberry jam for strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a delightful change of pace. I once made these with a wild blueberry jam and loved the slightly earthier flavor it added — still just as charming and delicious!
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough for a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry filling.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities — the dough still chills nicely and bakes up tender and buttery.
Nutty Additions: Fold in finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough before chilling for a nutty crunch that adds an unexpected texture contrast.

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

A white plate filled with a pile of round, pink cookies each topped with a heart-shaped center filled with glossy dark red jam, creating a two-layer look with the smooth, soft texture of the cookies and the shiny jam inside the heart shapes; the plate rests on a red cloth with white patterns on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the plate are extra cookies scattered with the same design, a white bowl with a raspberry powder and a wooden spoon, and a smaller white bowl with a red rim filled with fresh raspberries, all on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by softening your unsalted butter to room temperature. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. You’ll notice the texture change as air is incorporated, making for a tender cookie base.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla for Richness

Next, add the two egg yolks and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix just until smooth and well combined. The rich yolks add a beautiful depth to the dough, while the vanilla lifts the overall flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and 4 tablespoons of sifted freeze-dried raspberry powder. This step ensures even distribution of the raspberry flavor and keeps your dough consistent without clumps.

Step 4: Gently Combine Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches. Mix on low speed or fold gently just until all flour disappears—overmixing can toughen the dough, and we want these cookies tender but sturdy enough to hold that pretty jam heart.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. Trust me, this little wait is worth it for the perfect texture!

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Having everything ready to go makes the assembly flow smoothly.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies and Press the Heart Indentation

Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough and roll each into a smooth ball with your hands. Gently flatten the ball into a puck shape and place it on your lined baking sheet. Then, using your pinky or index finger, press down about three-quarters of the way into the center of each ball to form a charming heart-shaped indentation.

Step 8: Fill the Hearts with Raspberry Jam

Spoon or pipe about 10 ounces of raspberry jam into each heart indentation, filling almost to the top but careful not to have it overflow. I love using a piping bag for extra precision—keeps each cookie looking neat and lovely.

Step 9: Chill the Shaped Cookies Before Baking

Pop the shaped trays back into the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes. This extra chill helps the cookies maintain their cute heart shape while baking, preventing the dough from spreading too much around the jam.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. The tops may still feel a bit soft when you take them out, but they will set as they cool, giving a perfect tender bite with just a kiss of crispness underneath.

Step 11: Cool Completely Before Serving

Transfer the baked cookies onto a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. This prevents the jam from being too warm and messy, and helps the cookie texture develop fully. Once cooled, they’re ready to delight your family, friends, or yourself!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of tender texture and that adorable heart-shaped jam center in your Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe every time.

Chill the Dough Twice: From my experience, chilling the dough first makes it easier to handle, but chilling the shaped cookies again before baking is the real game-changer for keeping the heart indentation crisp and defined.
Use a Smaller Finger: I found that pressing the heart shape with my pinky gave the cutest and most consistent indentation without flattening the cookie — try it out for the best shape!
Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder: Incorporating the finely sifted freeze-dried raspberry powder into the dough adds a subtle tartness and beautiful pink color that truly elevates the cookies beyond the usual thumbprint.
Don’t Overfill with Jam: Filling the heart indentations just shy of the top prevents jam from bubbling over and ensures clean edges after baking, which looks so charming when serving.

How to Serve Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a thick, crumbly pink-red mixture is centered in the image, with two metal beaters from a black hand mixer partially submerged in it. Around the bowl, on a wooden surface, are three smaller white bowls: one with loose fresh red raspberries, one with bright red powder, and one with a chunky deep red jam or sauce. A few fresh raspberries are scattered loosely on the wood near the bowls. The texture of the mixture in the main bowl looks coarse and slightly moist, showing uneven clumps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, dust your finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a bit of additional freeze-dried raspberry powder to emphasize that vibrant pink hue. You can also add a tiny fresh raspberry on top of the jam heart for an elegant twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful treats with a hot cup of tea, a rich latte, or even a sparkling rosé for gatherings. They’re also wonderful alongside a simple fresh fruit platter or creamy vanilla yogurt to balance the sweet-tart flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps the cookies tender and the jam luscious without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three months, perfect for prepping ahead of holidays or special occasions.

Reheating

Warm the cookies gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture and slightly crisp the bottoms again. Avoid microwaving, which can make the jam overly hot and the cookies rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any other jam instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam pairs beautifully with the raspberry powder in the dough, you can swap in strawberry, cherry, or even apricot jam for a delightful twist.

How do I make freeze-dried raspberry powder at home?

Simply pulse 1 to 2 ounces of freeze-dried raspberries in a small food processor or spice grinder until fine, then sift out the seeds with a fine mesh sieve. If you don’t have a processor, crush them with a rolling pin inside a sealed bag and sift.

My cookies spread too much in the oven. How can I prevent that?

Make sure to chill the dough both before shaping and again after forming the cookies on the baking sheet. Also, avoid overmixing your dough, which can cause more spreading during baking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try substituting plant-based butter and using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) for the egg yolks, but note the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

Final Thoughts

Making these Raspberry Heart Thumbprint Cookies is as joyful as eating them. Their delicate balance of buttery richness, subtle raspberry flavor, and that charming heart-shaped jam center make them a sweet way to show you care—whether for festive gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat. So grab your mixing bowl and have some fun creating these little bites of love!