Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a treat that’s bursting with bright berry flavor and wonderfully tender texture, this Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the perfect balance of sweetness, a hint of tartness from fresh raspberries or jam, and that irresistible soft, chewy bite we all love in the best cookies. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them an absolute favorite for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside your afternoon cup of tea. Trust me, once you make these raspberry sugar cookies, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color of these cookies. From the creamy butter to the zing of lemon zest and cinnamon sugar coating, every component blends into something truly magical.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold these soft delights together without toughness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The rich, creamy foundation that keeps these cookies tender.
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that delicate crispness on the surface.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s moist texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, familiar notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the raspberries beautifully.
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or fresh raspberries, mashed: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature sweet-tart burst.
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens up the flavors with a refreshing citrus hint.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For coating the dough balls, ensuring a crisp, sweet exterior.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a mild warm spice that pairs wonderfully with raspberry.
• Fresh raspberries: For garnish, elevating the look and reinforcing the fruity theme.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting to finish the cookies with a delicate, snowy touch.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is key because it keeps your cookies from sticking and saves you from a sticky cleanup, letting you focus on the fun part—baking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will help your cookies rise lightly while maintaining their chewy texture. Set this bowl aside; it’s waiting for the wet ingredients to be ready.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until you get a light, fluffy mixture. This part is so satisfying because it’s when the magic starts! Creaming these together creates little air pockets that make your cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients add richness and a wonderful depth of flavor, especially that almond touch, which plays beautifully with raspberry.

Step 5: Mix in the Raspberries and Lemon Zest

Gently fold in the mashed raspberries or jam along with the optional lemon zest. The raspberries give the cookies their fruity punch, while lemon zest adds a fresh zing that brightens every bite.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is barely combined. Resist the urge to overmix here; it’s the secret to keeping your Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Rolling the dough in this mix means you’ll get a lightly spiced, crackly coating that’s delightfully sweet and adds a little extra dimension to every bite.

Step 8: Shape and Coating the Dough

Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll it into balls, then coat each one evenly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is so fun and helps give the cookies that signature sweet crunch on the outside, while staying tender inside.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared parchment-lined sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly and bake into the perfect shape.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or just until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. This timing ensures they keep their soft and chewy texture that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 11: Cool and Transfer

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after they come out of the oven. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This cooling process helps them firm up just enough while preserving softness in the middle.

Step 12: Garnish and Finish

Once cooled, top your cookies with fresh raspberries and a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. These finishing touches make your cookies look as wonderful as they taste, perfect for serving to guests or treating yourself.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar are a classic way to garnish these cookies. The bright berries not only make the cookies look irresistible but also add a fresh burst with every bite. You can also try a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra decadence.

Side Dishes

Serve your Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe alongside a cup of rich coffee or a soothing herbal tea. These cookies are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with raspberry sprigs and edible flowers for a stunning presentation at parties. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a raspberry jam filling to create adorable cookie sandwiches that will wow your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to five days, meaning you can savor your Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe throughout the week without losing any charm.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you want a fresh-baked cookie, just pop the frozen dough onto a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their softness, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven just until warm. This revives the soft, chewy texture and makes them taste fresh right out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the dough. Mashed frozen berries work just fine and provide the delicious raspberry flavor this recipe needs.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, no worries! The cookies will still taste amazing with just vanilla extract. Almond extract is optional and simply adds a subtle nutty note that complements the raspberries, but it’s not essential.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft rather than crispy?

The key is not to overbake and to cream the butter and sugar properly. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Baking just until the edges are lightly golden while the centers are set keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Can I substitute raspberry jam with other jams?

Absolutely! While raspberries are wonderful here, you can use other jams like strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot for different fruit flavors. Just be mindful that the jam’s moisture content may vary slightly, affecting the dough’s consistency.

How should I store the cookies if I want to make them ahead for a party?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to five days. If you want to prepare in advance, freezing the dough and baking fresh on the day of your party is the best way to impress guests with warm, soft cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with fresh raspberry flavor, and this Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that. From the simple yet wonderful ingredients to the easy step-by-step process, these cookies invite you to enjoy baking and sharing something truly special. I hope you dive in and bake a batch today—you’re going to love every delightful bite!

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