Raspberry Sugar Cookies with Soft, Buttery Centers are the perfect balance of classic sugar cookie comfort and bright, fruity flavor. From the first bite, you get a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie paired with a sweet-tart raspberry finish that feels cheerful and bakery-worthy. These cookies are simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holidays, gifting, and celebrations, making them a go-to recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
These cookies stand out because of their texture and flavor balance. The dough bakes up soft and thick in the center with lightly crisp edges, while the raspberry adds a pop of color and freshness that keeps the cookies from tasting overly sweet. The recipe is easy to follow, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers consistent results. Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape, and the jam adds flavor without extra steps or complicated techniques. They’re beautiful, flavorful, and approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients for Raspberry Sugar Cookies
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Raspberry Filling
- Raspberry jam or preserves, preferably seedless
Optional Finishing Touches
- Granulated sugar for rolling
- Powdered sugar for glaze
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Seedless raspberry jam creates a smoother cookie, but regular jam works just as well if you enjoy texture. Strawberry, blackberry, or apricot preserves can be substituted for a different flavor profile. If you need a dairy-free option, plant-based butter can be used, though the cookies may spread slightly more. For extra richness, you can add a small amount of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you prefer less sweetness, skip rolling the dough in sugar without affecting the cookie structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside so the leavening is distributed properly when mixed into the dough.
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft, tender texture that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 3 – Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Step 5 – Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft in the center.
Step 6 – Shape the Cookies
Scoop the chilled dough into balls and roll them in granulated sugar if desired. Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Step 7 – Add Raspberry Jam
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into each dough ball. Fill each center with a small spoonful of raspberry jam, being careful not to overfill.
Step 8 – Bake
Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the middle when removed from the oven.
Step 9 – Cool and Set
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps the jam set and keeps the cookies intact.
Pro Tips for Success
Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming. Chill the dough fully to maintain thickness. Do not overfill the jam centers to avoid spreading. Bake one tray at a time for even results. Remove cookies while centers are still soft for the best texture. Let cookies cool before moving to prevent breaking.
Flavor Variations
Swap raspberry jam for strawberry or blackberry preserves. Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus note. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness. Mix white chocolate chips into the dough for a richer cookie. Add a pinch of cinnamon for subtle warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They make a lovely addition to dessert platters, holiday cookie boxes, and bake sales. For special occasions, dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for a polished look.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Refrigeration is optional but can extend freshness by a day or two. To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Cookie dough can also be frozen and baked as needed.
Raspberry Sugar Cookies with Soft, Buttery Centers
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Sugar Cookies with Soft, Buttery Centers combine classic sugar cookie comfort with a bright raspberry jam center. These cookies bake up tender and thick with lightly crisp edges, making them perfect for everyday treats, holidays, and gifting.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Cover dough and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in sugar if desired.
- Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet.
- Press an indentation into each cookie and fill with raspberry jam.
- Bake until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheet briefly before transferring to a rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough is key to keeping cookies thick and soft. Do not overfill the jam centers, and remove cookies while centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~24 g |
| Fat | ~8 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~90 mg |
FAQ About Raspberry Sugar Cookies
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Cookies spread too much if the dough is too warm or the butter is overly soft. Chilling the dough and measuring flour accurately usually fixes this issue.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to two days in advance. Baked cookies also store well and taste great the next day.
Do I need to use seedless jam?
Seedless jam is preferred for smooth centers, but regular jam works fine if you don’t mind the seeds.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portion the dough into balls, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.
How do I keep the centers soft?
Avoid overbaking and remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool while staying tender inside.
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Sugar Cookies with Soft, Buttery Centers are a beautiful twist on a classic favorite. With their tender texture, vibrant jam centers, and simple preparation, they’re the kind of cookies that feel both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers reliable results and irresistible flavor every time.