These Raspberry Crumble Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the buttery richness of shortbread and the sweetness of raspberry jam. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only easy to make but also impressively delicious. With a crumbly topping that adds texture, they shine at holiday gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a sweet snack any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of almond and raspberry creates a unique taste that will have everyone asking for more.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip these up quickly, even on busy days!
- Versatile Treat: Great for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Perfect Presentation: The cookie cups look elegant and are easy to serve.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jumbo muffin pan
- Mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Jumbo muffin pan: Perfect for shaping the cookie cups, ensuring they hold their form while baking.
- Mixing bowl or stand mixer: Makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly for a creamy dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking for consistent results.
- Spatula or knife: Helps in transferring cookies out of the pan without damaging their shape.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Filling
- ½ cup seedless raspberry jam or preserves (or jam of your choice)
How to Make Raspberry Crumble Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your jumbo muffin pan with nonstick baking spray, or grease and flour each well. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat together:
1. Softened butter
2. Powdered sugar
3. Granulated sugar
4. Vanilla extract
5. Almond extract
Continue mixing until light and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add flour and salt to the mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; it will be crumbly.
2. Use your hands or a spoon to bring the dough together. It should hold when pressed but remain crumbly in texture.
Step 3: Form Cookie Cups
Scoop approximately ¼ cup of the dough mixture into each muffin well:
1. Press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form a base.
2. Reserve about 1½ cups of the dough for crumble topping.
Step 4: Add Jam
Spoon 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam into the center of each cookie cup.
Step 5: Add Crumble Topping
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of reserved dough over each filled cookie.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops begin to turn golden brown.
Step 7: Cool
Let cookies cool completely in the pan. Use a thin knife or spatula to gently loosen the edges before lifting them out carefully.
These Raspberry Crumble Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Raspberry Crumble Cookies
Raspberry Crumble Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your cookie experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the raspberry jam beautifully.
- Almond Ice Cream: The nutty flavor of almond ice cream enhances the almond extract in the cookies.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of color and freshness that pairs well with the cookies.
- Blueberries: A handful of blueberries can introduce another layer of flavor and make for an appealing presentation.
With Beverages
- Tea: A warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea makes a soothing companion to these cookies.
- Coffee: Brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful combination.
As Dessert Platter
- Mixed Desserts: Serve Raspberry Crumble Cookies alongside brownies, blondies, and mini tarts for a dessert platter that caters to various tastes.
- Cheese Board: Pair them with soft cheeses like brie for a unique sweet and savory experience.
How to Perfect Raspberry Crumble Cookies
To ensure your Raspberry Crumble Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve a light and creamy texture when creaming with sugars.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookie base crumbly rather than tough.
- Press Firmly: When forming the cookie cups, press down firmly, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Bake until just golden; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely in the pan to avoid crumbling when removing them.
Best Side Dishes for Raspberry Crumble Cookies
Raspberry Crumble Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful side dishes that pair well with them.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a creamy element that balances the cookie’s texture.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a contrast to the sweetness of the cookies and adds vibrant colors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over these cookies creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits complements the cookie’s flavors while adding nutrition.
- Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and pecans offers a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies.
- Charcuterie Board: Include cheeses, meats, and crackers for a savory balance alongside sweet treats like these cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Raspberry Crumble Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing. Cold butter will not blend well, leading to a dense cookie.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired crumbly texture.
- Skipping the cooling step: Let your cookies cool in the pan before removing them. This helps them set properly and maintain their shape.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Inaccurate measurements can greatly affect the final result.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An unheated oven can lead to unevenly baked cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep at room temperature to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing Raspberry Crumble Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Reheating Raspberry Crumble Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5–7 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but this may soften the crumble.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Raspberry Crumble Cookies.
What are Raspberry Crumble Cookies?
Raspberry Crumble Cookies are delightful treats that combine shortbread-like bases with sweet raspberry jam and a crumbly topping, offering a unique dessert experience.
Can I customize the jam in Raspberry Crumble Cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of jam or preserves you like, such as strawberry or blueberry, for a different taste.
How long do these cookies last?
Raspberry Crumble Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Are Raspberry Crumble Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! These cookies make excellent gifts, especially when packaged in decorative boxes or tins, perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking!
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry Crumble Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their buttery base paired with sweet raspberry jam creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them with different jams or spices to suit your taste!
Leave a Comment