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Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 130 reviews

These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with the fruity flavor of freeze-dried raspberries. The dough is soft and creamy, enhanced with cream cheese for tenderness, and optionally decorated with melted chocolate and extra raspberry powder for a beautiful finish. Perfectly baked to a light golden edge, these cookies balance sweetness with a subtle tartness and are ideal for gifting or enjoying with tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (56g) freeze-dried raspberries
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract

For Decorating (Optional)

  • 4-ounce bar (113g) semi-sweet and/or white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • Extra freeze-dried raspberry powder, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Process Raspberries: Using a blender or food processor, grind the freeze-dried raspberries into a fine powder, yielding about 1/2 cup. Reserve some extra powder for garnish later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the raspberry powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Cheese: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed using a mixer with a paddle attachment until fully smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
  4. Add Wet Flavorings: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract on high speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Note that the dough will be soft and creamy.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Generously flour your hands and rolling pin. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion out evenly on a floured parchment paper or silicone baking mat to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  7. Chill Dough: Lightly dust one rolled dough with flour and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stack the second rolled dough on top, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
  8. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or mats. Remove the top dough from the refrigerator and separate sheets carefully.
  9. Cut Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut the chilled dough into desired shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed. Arrange cookies spaced 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake for 12–13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Rotate pans halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks.
  11. Optional Chocolate Decoration: Melt chopped chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short increments until smooth. Dip or drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. Sprinkle with extra raspberry powder if desired. Allow chocolate to set in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or at room temperature.
  12. Storage: Store cookies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Freeze-dried raspberry powder enhances flavor and color without adding moisture.
  • Chilling the dough ensures easier handling and better cookie shape retention.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make dough easy to transfer.
  • Re-roll dough scraps to maximize yield.
  • Optional almond extract adds a complementary nutty flavor.
  • Chocolate decoration is optional but adds a delicious, elegant touch.
  • Cookies are tender due to cream cheese in the dough, which also extends freshness.

Keywords: raspberry sugar cookies, freeze-dried raspberry, cream cheese cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate dipped cookies