These Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies are a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. With a golden, buttery base and rich crumble topping, each cookie features a bright, tangy burst of seedless raspberry jam tucked inside. They’re baked in muffin tins to achieve a deep cookie cup that holds the perfect jam-to-crumble ratio. The almond and vanilla extracts bring out a delicate nuttiness that enhances the fruity center. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie platter or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies offer both comfort and elegance in every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/3 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jumbo muffin tin or coat with non-stick spray and a dusting of flour.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Add flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix; the texture should remain crumbly.
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Scoop about 1/4 cup of the dough mixture into each muffin well. Press into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form a small well in the center.
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Spoon 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam into each cookie base.
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Sprinkle each with a heaping tablespoon of the remaining crumbly dough mixture.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let cookies cool completely in the tin. Run a knife along the edges to remove if needed. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
A Sweet Tradition: The Story Behind Raspberry Crumble Cookies
There’s something timeless and comforting about fruit-filled baked goods. Raspberry crumble cookies tap into a long-standing culinary tradition where jam, butter, and flour come together to create a nostalgic, wholesome treat. These cookies are an elevated version of the classic thumbprint cookie, but instead of just a dollop of jam in a round cookie, the raspberry filling is tucked inside a deep, buttery base with a golden crumble topping.
Originally inspired by European baking, particularly Austrian Linzer cookies and British crumble tarts, this recipe takes those heritage elements and adapts them into a modern, easy-to-make dessert perfect for every home baker. The use of almond extract and real butter adds a gourmet edge that makes each bite luxurious yet familiar.
Why Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies Are a Must-Bake
These cookies are the perfect blend of textures and flavors. They’re soft at the base, rich and slightly nutty thanks to the almond and vanilla extract, and they have a satisfying crunch on top. What truly sets them apart is the raspberry jam center—tangy, sweet, and vibrant, it cuts through the richness of the butter, creating balance in every bite.
Here are just a few reasons why these cookies deserve a spot in your recipe collection:
- Perfect for Every Occasion: From holidays and baby showers to afternoon tea or a quiet moment alone, these cookies are versatile.
- Gourmet Without the Fuss: They look bakery-made, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.
- Customizable: Not a fan of raspberry? You can switch it up with apricot, strawberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these cookies—kids, adults, even the pickiest eaters.
- Ideal for Gifting: Wrapped in a box or tin, they make the perfect edible gift.
Texture and Taste: What to Expect
The flavor profile of these cookies is rich and comforting, yet refreshingly fruity. The buttery cookie base melts in your mouth, while the almond extract adds an elegant, slightly floral undertone. The crumble topping offers a toasted texture that complements the smooth, jammy center.
The contrast of textures—soft base, gooey center, and crisp top—ensures each bite is interesting and satisfying. The cookies are baked in muffin tins, giving them structure and a delightful shape that holds the jam perfectly without mess.
Health and Ingredient Highlights
While these cookies are an indulgence, they are made with real, wholesome ingredients, making them a smarter choice compared to overly processed store-bought cookies.
Here’s what makes the ingredient list shine:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture without needing extra fat.
- Almond and Vanilla Extracts: Offer a warm, nutty aroma that complements the fruitiness of the jam.
- Raspberry Jam: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, raspberries lend both flavor and a small nutritional bonus.
- Low-Sugar Option: You can easily adapt this recipe by using a low-sugar or fruit-only jam.
If you’re health-conscious or cooking for someone who is, these cookies can be adjusted by replacing part of the flour with whole wheat flour or using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Raspberry Crumble Cookies
Even though this recipe is relatively easy, a few pro tips will help you nail it every time:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the dough come together evenly and results in a smoother, creamier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookie base dense and tough. Stop mixing once the flour is just incorporated.
- Press Gently: When forming the cookie base in the muffin tin, don’t press too hard—just enough to form a cup shape.
- Choose High-Quality Jam: Since the jam is the centerpiece of flavor, using a premium seedless raspberry jam will elevate the taste.
- Cool Before Removing: Let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the muffin tin to avoid breakage.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can enhance the experience with thoughtful pairings. Serve them:
- With a cup of hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a relaxing afternoon snack.
- Alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a warm-and-cold dessert.
- As part of a holiday cookie platter with chocolate truffles, shortbread, and macarons.
They also look beautiful dusted with a little powdered sugar or drizzled with white chocolate for extra elegance.
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
Because of their buttery richness and jam center, these cookies store well, making them ideal for meal prep, parties, or gifting.
Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you’re making a large batch for the holidays, freezing them ensures you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies ready when needed.
Variations You’ll Love
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, get creative! Here are some popular and unique variations:
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright, zesty twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the tops with melted white or dark chocolate once they cool.
- Mini Muffin Version: Use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized raspberry cookie cups, perfect for parties.
These simple modifications can completely change the flavor profile while keeping the essence of the recipe intact.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This recipe balances ease of preparation with impressive presentation and gourmet flavor. Baking in muffin tins creates a perfect cup shape, allowing the jam to stay neatly nestled in the center. The cookie dough is firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
By using common pantry ingredients and just a few steps, you can create a professional-quality dessert without needing fancy equipment or advanced skills.
It’s also a great recipe for beginner bakers, children who love to help in the kitchen, and anyone looking for a quick treat that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
What Readers Say
If you browse online forums or baking blogs, you’ll see rave reviews about raspberry crumble cookies. Some common sentiments include:
- “They taste like a mini raspberry pie!”
- “So easy, but everyone thought I bought them from a bakery.”
- “The almond extract made all the difference—absolutely delicious.”
- “Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges.”
This level of love and appreciation makes it clear that this isn’t just another cookie recipe—it’s one people come back to again and again.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert table, a comforting weekend treat, or a special edible gift, these Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies check every box.
With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can bake a batch of cookies that feel nostalgic, elegant, and completely irresistible. Their combination of textures and deep, fruity flavors makes them a standout treat you’ll crave all year long.
If you’ve never made crumble-style cookies before, now’s your chance to add a unique and delicious recipe to your baking repertoire. They’re versatile, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven.