Indulge in a delightful treat with Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies! These cookies blend the soft, buttery texture of classic thumbprints with a rich cream cheese filling and a sweet raspberry center. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a decadent snack, these cookies are sure to impress with their visually appealing design and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 3/16 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/16 cups sugar
- 8 tbsp salted butter, softened
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Raspberry Center:
- ¼ cup raspberry preserves
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Preheat and Shape
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth. Spoon a small amount of this mixture into the indentation of each cookie. This will form the base for the raspberry center.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Preserves
Place a dollop of raspberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling in each cookie. The preserves not only add a burst of flavor but also a vibrant touch of color.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This ensures that the cookies are perfectly baked, maintaining a soft center with a slightly crisp edge.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set properly without falling apart.
Variation
For a twist on the classic, try different types of preserves such as apricot, blackberry, or strawberry. Each type of fruit can bring a new dimension of flavor to the cookies.
Cooking Note
It’s important not to overfill the cookies with the cream cheese and preserves to prevent them from spilling over during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for serving at tea parties, as part of a dessert buffet, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Their festive appearance makes them particularly suitable for holiday events.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough as directed to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before beginning to make the mixing process smoother and the texture of the filling creamier.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I prevent the cookies from cracking around the edges?
A: Make sure the dough is well-chilled and handle it gently when making indentations to minimize cracking.
Conclusion
Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that make a beautiful and tasty addition to any dessert table. These cookies are not only a joy to make but also a pleasure to serve, offering a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery in every bite. Enjoy the process of baking and the even better experience of indulging in these homemade treats!