Raspberry Shortbread Cookies

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies: A Perfect Sweet and Tart Treat

There’s something irresistibly charming about the combination of crumbly, buttery shortbread and the bright, tangy burst of raspberry. Raspberry Shortbread Cookies are a perfect marriage of rich, tender cookie base and deliciously fruity goodness that will have you reaching for more with every bite. Whether you’re serving these for a special tea party, holiday gathering, or just a delightful treat for yourself, these cookies bring a touch of elegance and a refreshing twist to classic shortbread.

Originating from traditional Scottish shortbread, these cookies get a delightful uplift through the addition of vibrant raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, making them a crowd-pleaser that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly. What makes this recipe truly special is the delicate texture of the shortbread paired with the juicy pockets of raspberry that burst in your mouth, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, making them a fantastic project for bakers of all skill levels!

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1/2 cup (150 grams) raspberry jam or preserves
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) fresh raspberries (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat gently to combine.
4. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed or folding by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together but remain tender.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface.
6. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches or 5 cm in diameter), cut circles from the rolled dough. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake the shortbread rounds for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color. Watch closely to prevent overbaking.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of raspberry jam onto the flat side of half the cookies.
10. Top the jam-covered cookies with the remaining halves to form sandwich cookies.
11. Garnish each cookie with a fresh raspberry on top, pressing gently so it adheres to the jam.
12. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies (12 sandwiches)
• Difficulty level: Easy

Tips & Variations

• Use cold butter for easier rolling and a flakier shortbread texture.
• For a more intense raspberry flavor, you can warm the jam slightly before spreading.
• Make sure to cool the cookies completely before assembling to prevent the jam from melting.
• Store cookies in a single layer to keep them crisp.
• Substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot for variety.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 150
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity zest. They are sure to impress your friends and family and become a staple in your baking repertoire. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and are a lovely addition to any dessert spread.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the simple joy of homemade cookies that taste as heavenly as they look. Don’t forget to share your baking experience and any creative twists you try in the comments below—happy baking!