If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, you’ve got to try this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies have this gorgeous pink swirl of fresh raspberry that makes every bite a little burst of fruity happiness. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out — crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and with that subtle tang from the berries that you just don’t get in your typical sugar cookie. Stick around, because I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail this recipe on your first try and maybe even impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Raspberry Swirl: The vibrant raspberry puree swirled throughout the dough creates a stunning marbled effect that makes these cookies stand out.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: You’ll enjoy the sweet buttery cookie with just the right hint of tangy raspberry that keeps every bite interesting.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making this recipe super accessible for any baker.
- Great for Any Occasion: These cookies are equally perfect for afternoon tea, a holiday cookie swap, or just a casual treat anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is in the balance of classic sugar cookie ingredients with the fresh tang of raspberries. You’ll want to use fresh or well-thawed frozen raspberries for the best flavor and color in the swirl. Beyond that, everything else is simple and wholesome.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure — make sure it’s measured spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly without getting cakey.
- Salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creamed with sugar is key for that tender texture — don’t skip softening it properly!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough; I like using a bit extra for a nice snap on the edges.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Fresh raspberries: The star of the show — you’ll mash these with sugar to create a simple but gorgeous swirl.
- Sugar for the swirl: Sweetens the raspberry puree and helps it blend beautifully in the dough.
- Optional lemon juice: A tiny splash brightens up the raspberry flavor even more.
Variations
I love making this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative — you can tweak the fruit or add different mix-ins to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Berry Swap: When raspberries are out of season, I’ve had great success using blackberries or chopped strawberries for a different but equally delicious twist.
- Lemon Zest Kick: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough enhances the fruity notes and makes the cookies even brighter.
- Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and the cookies still turned out wonderfully soft and buttery.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a special occasion, I’ve drizzled melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies — it makes them look stunning and adds a lovely sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Raspberry Swirl
Start by mashing your fresh raspberries with sugar in a small bowl. If you’re using lemon juice, add it here too — it really brings out the berry’s flavor. Stir everything until it becomes a thick, juicy puree. I’ve found that using a fork works best for mashing without making it too watery. Set this aside; this puree is what adds that stunning pink swirl to your cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl — this keeps the dry ingredients well combined and helps avoid any clumps. In your mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for soft yet slightly crisp cookies. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smooth.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like doing this in two batches to avoid flour clouds — nobody wants that mess! Mix just until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Fold in the Raspberry Swirl
This part is where the magic happens. Gently fold the raspberry puree into the dough using a spatula. Don’t overmix — you’re aiming for a pretty marbled effect with bright pink streaks, not a fully blended pink dough. When I first tried this, I was tempted to mix more, but now I stop as soon as I see those ribbons of raspberry weaving through the batter.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them a few inches apart — these cookies spread a bit as they bake. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remember, the cookies will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. I love these cookies warm, fresh from the oven, but they’re just as perfect once cooled. Every bite has that wonderful buttery richness with the bright notes of raspberry shining through.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Soften Butter Thoroughly: I used to rush this step and my cookies came out dense — letting your butter get room temperature means your dough will cream nicely for that perfect texture.
- Gentle Folding for Marbling: Overmixing the raspberry puree blends it too much and you lose the striking swirl effect; fold just enough to see those pretty pink streaks.
- Use Fresh or Well-Thawed Berries: Frozen berries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain excess juices to keep the dough from getting soggy.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: These cookies brown quickly on the edges, so pull them out as soon as you see a light golden color to ensure softness inside.
How to Serve Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving — it adds a pretty frosty finish without overpowering the raspberry flavor. Sometimes, I also like placing a fresh raspberry or a thin mint leaf on top for a little extra charm, especially if I’m gifting them or making them for a party.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee, especially brunch blends or fruity teas. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a dessert experience. For something a bit more festive, I like serving them with a light raspberry sorbet or fresh berries on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a platter lined with fresh raspberry leaves or colorful edible flowers — the natural decor really highlights the cookie’s vibrant colors. Another fun idea is to package them in clear cellophane bags tied with pink ribbons for lovely homemade gifts that everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep these cookies soft — they usually stay fresh for up to 3 days. I’ve found that putting a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture and stops them from hardening too fast.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For dough, roll it into balls and freeze on a tray before storing in a zip-top bag; this way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Baked cookies freeze well too — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes — they come out looking and tasting almost like freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them chewy or tough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen raspberries in this Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes, frozen raspberries work fine as long as you thaw and drain them well to remove extra moisture before mashing with sugar. This helps avoid soggy dough and preserves the swirl’s texture and flavor.
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How do I get the raspberry swirl effect without blending the puree completely?
After preparing the raspberry puree, fold it gently into the cookie dough with a spatula just a few times. Stop once you see bright pink streaks rather than fully mixed dough. This creates that beautiful marbled look.
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What can I do if my cookie dough feels too soft to handle?
If your dough feels sticky or too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping. This firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and reducing spreading during baking.
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How long do Raspberry Sugar Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe has become one of those recipes I reach for whenever I want something simple yet special. The fresh berry swirls feel like a little surprise in each bite, and the buttery sugar cookie base is just timeless. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the process as much as the treats themselves! Baking these is like sharing a little bit of joy, and I’m confident you (and everyone you share them with) will love the results.
Print
Raspberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are a sweet and simple treat featuring a tender sugar cookie dough marbled with vibrant raspberry puree. Bursting with fresh berry flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are perfect for dessert or a delightful snack. With a soft texture and lovely pink swirls, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- ½ cup fresh raspberries (or thawed frozen)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon juice (to brighten flavor)
Instructions
- Make the Raspberry Swirl: Mash the raspberries with sugar and optional lemon juice in a small bowl until a thick puree forms. Set aside to incorporate the natural berry sweetness and vibrant color into the dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a cookie dough forms.
- Add the Raspberry Swirl: Gently fold the raspberry puree into the dough using a spatula, taking care not to overmix. This will create beautiful marbled pink streaks throughout the dough, enhancing both the look and flavor of the cookies.
- Scoop and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them few inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. These cookies are delicious either way and make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Notes
- Soften your butter fully—cold butter won’t cream properly, which affects texture.
- Avoid overmixing the raspberry swirl for a pretty marbled effect rather than fully blended color.
- Use fresh raspberries when available for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- If dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before scooping.
- Bake just until set; cookies firm up as they cool so don’t overbake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg