Introduction
Craving a cookie that’s buttery, fruity, and melts in your mouth? These Raspberry Crumble Cookies are the perfect combination of soft cookie dough, tart raspberry jam, and a golden crumbly topping. They’re easy to make, look gorgeous on a dessert tray, and taste like something straight from grandma’s oven!
Inspired by classic crumble bars and thumbprint cookies, these delightful treats blend nostalgic flavors with bakery-style beauty. Whether it’s a weekend bake or a holiday treat, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your home.
Why Everyone Loves This Dish?
- They’re buttery and soft with just the right amount of crumble.
- Sweet and tart raspberry jam gives them a burst of fruity flavor.
- They look bakery-worthy without much effort.
- Kids and adults both love them – perfect for every age.
Where Did It Originate?
These cookies take inspiration from both European crumble desserts and the American thumbprint cookie. While the concept of jam-filled cookies dates back to 19th-century Sweden (known as Hallongrotta, or “raspberry cave”), the addition of a crumble topping gives it a modern twist that likely evolved in home kitchens across the U.S.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup raspberry jam (preferably seedless for smooth texture)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Cream together butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter using a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and slightly flatten each. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a shallow indent in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Add Jam & Crumble
Fill each indent with about ½ teaspoon raspberry jam. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over the cookies.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold butter for the crumble so it forms proper crumbs rather than blending in.
- Don’t overfill with jam – just a small spoonful keeps it neat and prevents overflowing.
- Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky to handle.
- Use seedless jam for a smooth finish or go for homemade raspberry compote for a fresh twist.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking – They should be lightly golden at the edges, not browned all over.
- Using warm butter – This will make the crumble greasy instead of crisp.
- Skipping the thumbprint – Make sure there’s enough room to hold the jam.
Serving Tips
- Serve with tea or coffee – These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.
- Gift in boxes – Perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
- Serve warm – Slightly warm cookies for a soft, melty texture.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Raspberries – Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Butter – Provides energy and a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Flour – Source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Eggs – Rich in protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
Interesting Facts
- The original “jam thumbprint cookies” were a holiday favorite in Scandinavian countries.
- Crumble toppings are traditionally used on pies and coffee cakes—combining that with cookies makes them extra indulgent.
- Raspberry jam is one of the oldest preserved fruits, with records of it being made in 16th-century England!
Summary Recipe
Ingredients: Butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, salt, raspberry jam, brown sugar.
Steps:
- Make soft cookie dough.
- Prepare a buttery crumble topping.
- Shape cookies and press indentations.
- Fill with jam, top with crumble.
- Bake until golden and enjoy!