These Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly brings warmth into the kitchen. Soft, buttery, and delightfully filled with ruby-red raspberry jam, they’re everything you want in a festive cookie. Whether you’re baking for cozy family gatherings, holiday dessert trays, or charming homemade gifts, these nostalgic thumbprint-style cookies deliver classic Christmas flavor in every bite. Made with cream cheese for an irresistibly tender texture, they melt in your mouth and look beautifully rustic on any holiday platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth thanks to cream cheese.
- Simple ingredients and quick prep—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Christmas gifting, cookie exchanges, or festive dessert spreads.
- Easy to customize with different jams or fillings.
- Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly recipe!
Ingredients
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a soft, tender crumb.
- Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): The secret to ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps the cookies develop their delicate texture.
- Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cozy holiday flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
- Raspberry jam (½ cup): Creates the classic, festive thumbprint center. Seedless jam works best for a smooth finish.
How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies
1. Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make the Dough
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this gives your cookies their signature tenderness.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. The dough should be soft, but if it feels too sticky, you can chill it for 10–15 minutes.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small, even balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a well into the center of each ball. Tip: If the dough cracks, simply pinch it back together for a smoother look.
5. Fill and Bake
Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each well—just enough to fill it without overflowing.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are barely turning golden. The tops should remain pale and soft for the perfect texture.
6. Cool and Finish
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant holiday touch.
Tips for Success
- Use seedless jam for the smoothest look and clean thumbprint wells.
- Chill the dough if it’s too soft to roll—cream cheese dough can warm up quickly.
- Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay pale to maintain their signature soft texture.
- Create deep wells so the jam stays centered during baking.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small spoon or thumb for forming wells
Recipe Variations
- Strawberry or Apricot Jam Cookies: Swap raspberry jam for your favorite fruity filling.
- Lemon Curd Thumbprints: Add a bright, zesty twist with lemon curd.
- Holiday Sprinkle Cookies: Roll dough balls in festive sprinkles before pressing the wells.
- Almond Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a sweet, nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a holiday cookie tray with chocolate crinkles, gingerbread men, and sugar cookies.
- Pair with hot cocoa, tea, or a warm mug of mulled cider.
- Package in holiday tins or clear treat bags for beautiful homemade gifts.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra-festive finish.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before rolling into balls.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use homemade jam?
Yes—just make sure it’s not too runny so it doesn’t overflow during baking.
Why did my cookies crack when I pressed the wells?
This is normal! Simply pinch the dough back together or smooth out the edges before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. The ingredient ratios scale perfectly.
Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies: A Soft, Jam-Filled Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies made with cream cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These festive thumbprint-style cookies are filled with ruby-red raspberry jam, perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, and classic holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Press a thumb or spoon into each dough ball to create a small well.
- Fill each well with raspberry jam.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use seedless raspberry jam for a smoother look.
- Chill dough if it’s too soft to roll.
- Do not overbake—cookies should stay pale and soft.
- Swap raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or lemon jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies capture everything we love about holiday baking—warmth, nostalgia, and simple ingredients that turn into something truly magical. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or adding them to your festive dessert lineup, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. Give this recipe a try, enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and feel free to experiment with different fillings to make them your own. Happy holiday baking!