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Holiday Recipes

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

These raspberry almond thumbprint cookies combine a buttery, tender base with a sweet‑tart jam center and a light almond glaze. Ideal for holiday gatherings, they look festive and taste delightful.

MediumDifficulty

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and almond extract until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the flour and salt, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid over‑mixing.
  3. Divide the dough into 1‑inch (about 1‑inch) balls and place them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
  4. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make an indentation in the center of each ball.
  5. Fill each indentation with a small amount of raspberry jam (about ¼ t per cookie).
  6. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 11–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, water, and almond extract until smooth.
  8. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip the tops with the almond glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips

For a smoother glaze, start with 2 t water and add more a teaspoon at a time if needed. Chill the dough for 15‑20 minutes before shaping for easier handling.

Video

“HOLIDAY BAKING IDEAS | 12 DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS COOKIES | CHRISTMAS RECIPES” by A Charming Abode, watch on YouTube.

About this recipe

The dough is a classic shortbread‑style mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and a hint of almond extract, rolled into 1‑inch balls and indented for jam filling. After a brief bake, the cookies stay soft enough to hold a drizzle of almond‑flavored glaze that adds a glossy finish. Serve them on a platter or in a cookie tin; they pair well with tea, coffee, or milk and can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Published November 6, 2026.