Raspberry Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s sweet, soft, and bursting with the tart flavor of fresh raspberries, these Raspberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat. Combining the classic simplicity of a sugar cookie with the vibrant flavor of raspberries, these cookies are a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. They have a slightly chewy center, crispy edges, and are rolled in sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity brightness.

Whether you’re looking to bake something special for a holiday cookie platter, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these Raspberry Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, with no special techniques or equipment required. The addition of fresh or frozen raspberries adds a lovely pop of color and flavor, making these cookies stand out in both appearance and taste.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make these cookies from scratch, with tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how simple and satisfying these cookies are to whip up. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Sugar Cookies

1. Sweet and Tart Flavor: The combination of sweet sugar cookie dough and tart raspberries creates a delicious contrast that makes these cookies irresistible.
2. Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a lightly crispy edge, making them the perfect texture for cookie lovers.
3. Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment, these cookies come together quickly and easily.
4. Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: You can use either fresh or frozen raspberries, so you can enjoy these cookies any time of the year.
5. Versatile and Customizable: Add a glaze, swap in other berries, or experiment with flavor extracts to make these cookies your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 12-15 minutes per batch
• Total time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 16g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries, chopped (make sure to pat them dry if using frozen)

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A drop of pink food coloring (optional, for a pop of color)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
• Fresh raspberries for garnish
• Lemon zest for a citrusy kick

Optional Add-Ins:

• White chocolate chips
• Almond extract for a nutty flavor twist
• Coconut flakes for added texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to create a soft and tender texture for the cookies by incorporating air into the butter.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla:

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

5. Fold in the Raspberries:

Gently fold in the chopped raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much. The goal is to distribute the raspberries throughout the dough without turning the whole dough pink.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

1. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Prepare the Sugar for Rolling:

In a small bowl, place about ¼ cup of granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough balls. This extra layer of sugar gives the cookies a beautiful, sparkly finish and adds a bit of crunch to the edges.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Roll the Dough into Balls:

Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out even portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.

2. Roll in Sugar:

Roll each dough ball in the bowl of sugar, coating it completely, and place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

3. Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. If you prefer softer cookies, bake for the shorter time; for slightly crispier edges, bake a bit longer.

4. Cool the Cookies:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Optional Glaze (If Desired)

If you want to add a sweet glaze to your Raspberry Sugar Cookies, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If you’d like to add some color, stir in a drop of pink food coloring.

Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Raspberry Sugar Cookies are now ready to enjoy! They’re perfect on their own with a cup of coffee or tea, or you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

How to Serve

• As a Dessert: These cookies are a delicious dessert on their own, but they’re also wonderful served with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet.
• On a Cookie Platter: Include these cookies as part of a holiday or party cookie platter. Their beautiful pink color adds a pop of color among other treats.
• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies make a lovely afternoon snack paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their soft texture and sweet flavor are perfect for a tea-time treat.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift. They’re great for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps to firm it up, making it easier to shape the cookies and preventing them from spreading too much during baking.
2. Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: You can use either fresh or frozen raspberries for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before folding them into the dough.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Cookies: A cookie scoop ensures that all the cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
5. Customize the Flavor: For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a hint of brightness.

Recipe Variations

These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Lemon Raspberry Sugar Cookies:

For a bright, citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon to the cookie dough and drizzle a lemon glaze over the top. The tartness of the lemon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raspberries.

2. White Chocolate Raspberry Sugar Cookies:

Fold in white chocolate chips along with the raspberries for a decadent flavor combination. The creamy white chocolate complements the tart raspberries perfectly.

3. Raspberry Almond Sugar Cookies:

Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs well with the raspberries. You can also sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the cookies before baking for added texture.

4. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies:

Instead of mixing the raspberries into the dough, roll the dough into balls and make a small indent in the center of each cookie. Fill the indent with raspberry jam before baking for a raspberry-filled thumbprint cookie.

5. Chocolate Dipped Raspberry Cookies:

Once the cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate for a rich, chocolatey finish. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

These Raspberry Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve added a glaze, it’s best to store the cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing the Dough:

To freeze the cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time (no need to thaw).

Freezing Baked Cookies:

You can also freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. The cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Tips:

If you like your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This will give them that freshly baked texture.

Special Equipment

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: To cream the butter and sugar and mix the dough.
• Cookie scoop: For evenly portioned cookies.
• Baking sheets: To bake the cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: For easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Wire cooling rack: To cool the cookies before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen raspberries in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to pat them dry before folding them into the dough to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the cookies.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.

3. What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

While raspberries are delicious in these cookies, you can substitute them with other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the dough.

4. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If your cookies are still spreading more than you’d like, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of flour to the dough.

5. Can I add a glaze or icing to these cookies?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is a delicious addition to these cookies. You can drizzle it over the top or dip the cookies for a sweeter finish.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, combining the sweet and tart flavor of raspberries with a buttery, chewy cookie base. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

With their beautiful pink hue and fruity flavor, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized in so many ways, from adding a glaze to incorporating different fruits or flavors.

So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious cookies. Happy baking!

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