Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies: A Soft, Jam-Filled Holiday Favorite

When it comes to festive baking, nothing captures the cozy nostalgia of the holidays quite like Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine a buttery, cream-cheese-enriched dough with the bright, jewel-like sparkle of raspberry jam. They bake up soft, tender, and slightly crumbly with a center that glistens like stained glass—perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or gifting. The texture from your photo shows a delicate cookie with a pale, snowy surface dusted in powdered sugar, contrasted by ruby-red jam that bakes into glossy pockets. These cookies look rustic, homemade, and incredibly inviting, exactly the type of recipe readers love searching for during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

There are countless holiday cookies you can bake, but Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies stand out because they combine simplicity, nostalgia, and flavor into one crowd-pleasing recipe. Here’s why they deserve a place in your seasonal rotation:

• • They are soft, buttery, and tender thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture holiday cookie lovers look for.
• • The bright pop of sweet-tart raspberry jam adds color and contrast, making every cookie look bakery-quality without any special decorating skills required.
• • These cookies use simple pantry ingredients, making them approachable for all skill levels—even beginner bakers can achieve consistent results.
• • They bake quickly and the dough is easy to work with, making them perfect for large-batch holiday baking, school events, and last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

Optional Add-Ins and Ingredient Swaps

• Use almond extract in place of vanilla for a more traditional European holiday flavor.
• Substitute strawberry, apricot, lemon, or blackberry jam to create assorted flavors.
• Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor depth.
• Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer, silkier dough.
• Swap part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty, shortbread-like finish.
• Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps build structure and ensures the cookies bake up tender.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will become smooth and slightly thicker.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into evenly sized balls, about one tablespoon each. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving room for slight spreading.
6. Using your thumb, the back of a measuring spoon, or your knuckle, press a small well into the center of each dough ball.
7. Fill each well with a small spoonful of raspberry jam, being careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
8. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar once fully cooled for that snowy finish seen in your photo.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

• • Always use softened butter and cream cheese; cold ingredients won’t cream properly and will lead to dense cookies.
• • Don’t overbake—these cookies should remain pale and soft, just barely set around the edges.
• • Chill the dough if it feels sticky; even 15 minutes in the refrigerator makes it easier to roll.
• • Use a small spoon or piping bag to neatly add the jam into each well.
• • Stir the jam before using to loosen it, making it easier to fill centers cleanly.
• • Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
• • Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar so it doesn’t melt into the jam.

Creative Variations to Try

Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies are delicious as written, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are several fun and flavorful variations to keep your cookie platter exciting and personalized:

Almond Raspberry Thumbprints

Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough and top with sliced almonds after filling with jam. The almond–raspberry pairing creates a classic holiday flavor.

Lemon Zest & Raspberry

Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest into the dough. The brightness of the lemon enhances the tangy raspberry filling and adds refreshing citrus notes.

Chocolate Drizzle Cookies

After baking and cooling, drizzle the cookies with melted white or dark chocolate. The contrast of chocolate and fruit adds richness and visual flair.

Jam Sampler Plate

Use multiple flavors of jam—strawberry, apricot, fig, blueberry—to create a colorful variety that looks stunning on holiday dessert boards.

Coconut-Crusted Cookies

Roll each dough ball in shredded coconut before adding the jam. The coconut toasts lightly in the oven, adding texture and tropical fragrance.

Sugar Cookie Swirl Version

Stir a tiny amount of jam into a portion of the dough before filling the centers. This creates a marbled effect and enhances the fruity flavor throughout the cookie.

Cinnamon-Spiced Winter Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for warm, cozy, holiday spice notes.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies pair beautifully with a variety of winter beverages, meals, and festive moments. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your cookie presentation:

• Serve them on a holiday dessert tray with shortbread, biscotti, and chocolate crinkle cookies for a visually balanced assortment.
• Pair them with tea—especially Earl Grey, chamomile, peppermint, or spiced black tea—for a cozy winter treat.
• Plate them with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dinner-party dessert.
• Serve warm cookies with vanilla ice cream for a simple, comforting holiday dessert.
• Package a small dozen in a decorative tin with parchment paper for gifting to friends, teachers, or coworkers.
• Include them in cookie exchange boxes—they travel well and stay soft for several days.
• Offer them alongside a hot cocoa bar; the sweet-tart jam complements rich chocolate drinks beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Cookies like these store wonderfully thanks to the cream cheese base. Follow these guidelines to keep them fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days. If stacking, place parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the jam centers.

Room Temperature

These cookies stay soft at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

You can also freeze the dough balls (without jam) for easy holiday prep. When ready to bake, simply thaw slightly, fill with jam, and bake as usual.

Reheating

• Microwave for 6 to 8 seconds for a warm, soft cookie.
• Warm in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes for crisp edges and a gooey center.
• Avoid reheating in a toaster oven if cookies are dusted with powdered sugar unless you re-dust afterward.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese is best. Low-fat varieties contain more moisture and stabilizers, which can cause spreading. If using low-fat, chill the dough before baking to help maintain shape.

2. What’s the best jam for these cookies?

Raspberry is classic because of its tartness and holiday color. Choose a high-quality jam with real fruit. Seedless versions create a smoother appearance, while seeded versions add texture.

3. Why did my cookies crack too much around the edges?

A small amount of cracking is normal and part of their charm. Excessive cracking can happen if the dough is too cold or too dry. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened, and avoid adding too much flour.

4. How do I prevent the jam from spilling over the edges?

Use about 1/2 teaspoon of jam and press gently into the indentation. Overfilling causes bubbling and overflow. Thick jam works better than runny preserves.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Because gluten-free dough can be crumbly, consider adding an additional tablespoon of cream cheese or a teaspoon of milk to help bind the dough.

6. Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely. These cookies scale perfectly. If making a large batch, rotate your baking sheets between racks to ensure even baking.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Raspberry Cream Cookies are the perfect blend of tradition, simplicity, and irresistible flavor. Their soft, creamy crumb and bright, festive jam centers make them a standout addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting to friends, or preparing treats for a seasonal event, these cookies deliver consistent, beautiful results every time.

Their nostalgic charm, vibrant colors, and tender texture make them one of those recipes that people immediately ask for after taking their first bite. Add them to your annual holiday baking list, experiment with fun flavor variations, and enjoy the cozy, homemade magic they bring to the season.

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