Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect treat that manages to be both soft and sweet with just the right amount of chew, this Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what your baking heart needs. Bursting with fresh raspberry flavor and a tender crumb, these cookies combine the nostalgic feel of classic sugar cookies with a delightful fruity twist. They easily become a favorite for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few during a quiet moment—it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these cookies just right starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have around your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role to ensure your cookies come out soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently for a light texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and creates that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups plus 1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a delightful crispy-sugar coating.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that complements raspberry beautifully.
• Raspberry jam or fresh raspberries, mashed (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, bursting with natural sweetness and tang.
• Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweetness.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Mixed with sugar for an enticingly warm coating.
• Fresh raspberries and powdered sugar: Perfect garnishes to finish your cookies with style.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and cleanup becomes a breeze—one of those small wins in baking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Keeping this dry mixture ready ensures you can incorporate it smoothly into your wet ingredients later, setting the foundation for those tender cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. This creaming step is crucial—it traps air that helps give the cookies their signature softness and slight chew.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Blend in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts. These flavors blend beautifully with raspberry, creating a cookie that’s aromatic and irresistibly inviting.

Step 5: Incorporate Raspberries and Zest

Fold in your raspberry jam or mashed fresh raspberries, plus the optional lemon zest. This combo adds juicy bursts of flavor as well as a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing here as it can toughen the dough and rob you of that soft, chewy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 7: Prepare Sugar-Cinnamon Coating

Mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. This will give an extra layer of flavor and a subtle crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft cookie center.

Step 8: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll them into balls, and then coat each in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This little extra step turns your cookies into crunchy, sparkly little gems once baked.

Step 9: Arrange and Flatten

Place dough balls roughly two inches apart on your prepared sheets, then gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Flattening helps the cookies bake uniformly and creates that classic soft sugar cookie shape.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers are just set. The cookies should still be soft to the touch, promising that ideal chewy bite.

Step 11: Cool Cookies Slightly

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up just enough to transfer without breaking.

Step 12: Final Touches

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and once completely cooled, garnish with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds elegance but a fresh pop of raspberry that highlights the cookie’s fruity persona.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh raspberries and a sprinkling of powdered sugar are the perfect finishing touches. They add visual appeal and amplify that fresh-fruit freshness, making each cookie feel like a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with warm tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For an afternoon treat, try serving them alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a simple salad of fresh greens dressed lightly with lemon—such contrasts make the flavors sing.

Creative Ways to Present

Think about arranging your cookies on a pretty platter garnished with raspberry leaves or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of raspberry jam or cream cheese frosting for an irresistible twist that doubles the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that wonderful chewy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking, simply shape and coat them in cinnamon sugar, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for best results.

Reheating

To bring a cookie back to fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm it briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives that soft and chewy magic and makes every bite taste like a fresh treat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and lightly mash them before mixing into the dough to ensure even distribution of flavor and moisture without making the dough too runny.

Is raspberry jam a good substitute for fresh raspberries?

Yes, raspberry jam works wonderfully when fresh raspberries aren’t available. It adds concentrated flavor and sweetness, so you might want to balance any additional sugar accordingly.

How do I make these cookies without almond extract?

The almond extract is optional, so you can simply omit it. The vanilla extract already provides lovely warmth, and the raspberry shines through beautifully on its own.

Why should I roll cookie dough in cinnamon sugar?

The cinnamon sugar coating adds a subtle spicy-sweet crunch to the cookie exterior, creating a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy interior—like a little flavor party in every bite.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With a few ingredient swaps such as dairy-free butter alternatives and a flax egg, you can create a vegan version. However, expect some slight differences in texture, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cookie that balances softness, chewiness, and a burst of raspberry goodness in every bite. This Soft and Chewy Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is a perfect example of feel-good baking that’s as easy to make as it is to love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch to brighten your day or someone else’s—you won’t regret sharing this sweet joy!

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