These cookies are a fun treat with a soft, creamy center and a burst of sweet raspberry flavor. They’re perfect for a snack or dessert and look super cute too!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t resist stealing one (or two!). They’re so easy to make, and the vibrant color of the raspberries just makes you smile. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the cookies, giving them a rich and tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for controlling the saltiness in your cookies. However, you can swap this out with margarine if you need a dairy-free option, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
Fresh Raspberries: While fresh is preferred for a juicy bite, you can substitute with frozen raspberries if needed. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before use, so the cookies don’t become soggy.
Raspberry Jam: This adds extra sweetness and flavor. You can use other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry if you want a different taste, or even a fruit compote to keep it fresh.
How Can I Make My Cookies Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies starts with the right mixing and baking techniques. Here are my tips:
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Just mix until they blend in to keep the cookies tender.
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are well-softened to create a light mixture. This helps with fluffiness.
- Be mindful of baking time. Remove cookies as they start turning golden – they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet first; this helps them firm up while staying soft inside.
How to Make Delicious Cream Cheese Raspberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons raspberry jam or preserves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Plan for a total time of about 30 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats fresh from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for baking the cookies evenly. While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step makes your cookies nice and soft!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well integrated. This will add sweetness and flavor to your cookie dough.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking powder evenly so your cookies rise well.
5. Combine and Form Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you don’t see any flour streaks!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Create Wells for the Filling:
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each cookie to create a small well.
8. Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
In a small bowl, gently mash the fresh raspberries with the raspberry jam to create a chunky filling. The mixture should be sweet and fruity!
9. Fill the Cookies:
Place a teaspoon of the raspberry mixture into the well of each cookie. Don’t worry if it overflows a bit; that’s part of the charm!
10. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers look set.
11. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
12. Serve and Share:
These cookies are perfect to share with friends and family. Enjoy the wonderful combination of cream cheese and raspberry flavors in each bite!
Can I Use Different Berries for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the berries are particularly tart!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, but be aware that this may change their texture slightly.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds until soft!