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Raspberry Sugar Cookies (Real Flavor) Recipe

4.7 from 443 reviews

Delight in these Raspberry Sugar Cookies featuring a perfect blend of tart freeze-dried raspberries and creamy butter-cream cheese dough. These cookies are baked to a tender finish with optional chocolate drizzle and raspberry powder garnish, making them an irresistible treat for berry lovers seeking a unique twist on classic sugar cookies.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups freeze-dried raspberries, divided
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Chocolate Topping (Optional):

  • 4 oz semi-sweet or white chocolate, chopped
  • Extra freeze-dried raspberry powder for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Raspberry Powder and Chopped Raspberries: Crush 1½ cups of freeze-dried raspberries into a fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle; coarsely chop the remaining ½ cup. Set both aside for folding into the dough and garnishing.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure ease of cookie removal and even baking.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until well mixed. This ensures even leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
  4. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter and cream cheese for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, setting the base for tender cookies.
  5. Add Sugar: Incorporate 1 cup granulated sugar into the creamed mixture, beating for an additional 2 minutes until creamy and well combined, creating the sweetness and structure.
  6. Mix in Egg and Extracts: Beat in 1 large room temperature egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional 1 teaspoon almond extract until just combined to avoid overmixing which could lead to tough cookies.
  7. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated without toughening the dough.
  8. Fold in Raspberry Powder and Pieces: Using a wooden spoon, fold in the freeze-dried raspberry powder and chopped raspberry pieces gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  9. Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons or use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  10. Bake: Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy center as the cookies continue cooking slightly after removal.
  11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
  12. Optional Chocolate Topping: Melt the chopped semi-sweet or white chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra freeze-dried raspberry powder for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overmix the dough once the egg is added to maintain cookie tenderness.
  • Adjust almond extract to preference or omit if desired; vanilla extract alone provides excellent flavor.
  • Freeze-dried raspberries add intense flavor without moisture, helping keep cookies crisp and flavorful.
  • The optional chocolate topping adds richness and visual appeal but can be omitted for a simpler cookie.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Raspberry Sugar Cookies, Freeze-Dried Raspberries, Cream Cheese Cookies, Raspberry Chocolate Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies