Oh my goodness, these Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are an absolute dream come true! Picture this: perfectly crisp edges, a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture, and a sweet, slightly tart burst of raspberry jam in the center. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and the vanilla flavor just adds that extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, if you’re looking for a cookie that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make, these are the ones. You’ll want to bake a batch (or two) and savor every single bite—seriously, these are addictive!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies

Delicate and Buttery: The combination of butter and vanilla gives these cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture that you just can’t resist.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll have these beauties ready in no time.
Sweet & Tart Raspberry Filling: The raspberry jam center adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the buttery cookies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special treat, or just because, these cookies are always a hit!

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that come together to make these irresistible cookies:

Butter: The key to the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crisp edge.
Vanilla Extract: The aromatic vanilla flavor enhances the buttery taste and adds depth to the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for these cookies, helping to create that soft, yet crisp texture.
Baking Powder: Just a little to give the cookies a slight lift.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Raspberry Jam: The star of the show! A dollop of raspberry jam in the center gives these cookies a delicious fruity burst.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into making these dreamy cookies!

Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and light. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Add the Raspberry Jam:
Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the center of each cookie, filling the indentation. Don’t overfill—just a small dollop will do!

Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still be soft.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:
These Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. The combination of the buttery cookie and sweet, tangy raspberry jam is absolutely irresistible!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 cookies
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies

With Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
For a Sweet Snack: These are perfect for a sweet snack any time of day.
At a Party or Gathering: They’re easy to make in large batches and always a crowd-pleaser at parties.
Gift-Worthy: Package them in a cute tin or box for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips

Keep the Dough Cold: If the dough gets too soft while you’re working with it, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to make it easier to shape and handle.
Use Different Jams: You can easily swap out the raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
Make the Cookies Smaller or Larger: You can adjust the size of the dough balls based on your preferences. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you make them larger or smaller.
For Extra Flavor: Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a lovely citrus twist that complements the raspberry jam.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A1: You can, but it’s best to reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.

Q2: Can I use a different type of jam?
A2: Absolutely! Any jam or fruit preserves that you love will work—strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot would be fantastic options.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated if you prefer them chilled.

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re baking for a crowd or want to freeze some for later.

Q7: Can I use a cookie scoop for this recipe?
A7: Yes, a cookie scoop works great for evenly sized cookies. Just make sure to gently indent the center before adding the jam.

Q8: How do I make the raspberry jam more spreadable?
A8: If the jam is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave or over low heat to make it easier to spoon into the cookies.

Q9: How can I make the cookies more colorful?
A9: Add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Q10: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A10: You can swap granulated sugar for a different sugar (like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute), but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Vanilla Butter Cookies are a perfect balance of buttery goodness and fruity sweetness. With their soft texture, crisp edges, and a delicious raspberry jam center, they’re the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get your ingredients ready, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible cookies! You won’t regret it.