Make classic, buttery shortbread cookies with a sweet raspberry jam center. This recipe yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for any occasion.
Author:Ethan Fleetwood
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup raspberry jam
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined into a dough. Do not overmix.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to press a deep indentation into the center of each dough ball.
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The jam will bubble.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For the best shortbread texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is warm.
If the jam sinks too much during baking, refill the center immediately after removing the cookies from the oven while they are still hot.
You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for an almond flavor variation.