If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a fruity twist, these Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies are a must-try. Combining the richness of butter shortbread with a luscious raspberry jam filling, these cookies offer the perfect balance of crunchy, crumbly, and jammy goodness in every bite. Baked in a muffin tin for a thick, bakery-style texture, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these jam-filled cookies are sure to become a household favorite.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
- Rich and buttery – The shortbread-like dough creates an ultra-tender, buttery base.
- Perfect balance of textures – A crispy edge, soft center, and crumbly topping make each bite satisfying.
- Easy to make – No rolling or chilling required, just mix, press, and bake.
- Customizable filling – While raspberry jam adds a sweet and tangy contrast, you can use your favorite jam flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make jumbo muffin tin-sized cookies, gather these simple pantry staples:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a jumbo muffin tin with butter and flour, or use non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough into each well of the muffin tin.
- Gently press the dough evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides to create a shallow well in the center.
- Spoon 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam into the well of each cookie.
- Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of the remaining dough over the jam for a crumbly topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
- Let the cookies cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them.
Step 5: Remove and Serve
- Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of each cookie to help release them from the muffin tin.
- Serve as they are, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Crumble Cookies
- Use high-quality butter – Since butter is the key ingredient in these cookies, opt for European-style butter for a richer flavor.
- Keep the dough crumbly – Overmixing can lead to a dense cookie, so mix just until the dough comes together.
- Use seedless jam – Seedless raspberry jam gives a smooth, jammy texture that pairs perfectly with the crumble.
- Experiment with flavors – Swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, blueberry, or even lemon curd for variety.
- Make them smaller – If you don’t have a jumbo muffin tin, use a standard muffin tin and reduce the baking time slightly.
Ways to Enjoy These Cookies
These buttery, jam-filled treats are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- With coffee or tea – The buttery richness pairs wonderfully with a warm drink.
- As an afternoon snack – A delightful treat for a midday pick-me-up.
- For holiday gifting – Package them in a tin for a homemade holiday gift.
- With a scoop of ice cream – Warm one slightly and serve with vanilla or almond ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Flavor Twists
One of the best things about these Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies is how easily customizable they are. With a few simple swaps, you can create entirely new flavor profiles while keeping the same delightful texture.
1. Different Jam Fillings
While raspberry jam provides a sweet-tart balance, other fruit spreads work just as well:
- Strawberry jam – A classic, nostalgic flavor.
- Apricot preserves – Adds a rich, slightly tangy sweetness.
- Blueberry jam – Offers a deep, berry-rich taste.
- Lemon curd – For a bright, citrusy contrast to the buttery base.
2. Nutty Additions
For added crunch and depth of flavor, try mixing nuts into the crumble topping or dough:
- Almonds – Complement the almond extract beautifully.
- Pecans – Add a buttery, toasty crunch.
- Walnuts – Pair well with fruit fillings for a heartier bite.
3. Chocolate Lovers’ Twist
If you enjoy chocolate and fruit combinations, consider these variations:
- Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies after baking.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the crumble topping for a richer bite.
4. Coconut Crumble
For a tropical touch, mix sweetened shredded coconut into the topping before baking. It will toast slightly in the oven, enhancing the overall flavor.
5. Spiced Cookie Dough
Adding warm spices can deepen the flavor profile:
- Cinnamon – Enhances sweetness without overpowering.
- Cardamom – Adds a floral, slightly citrusy warmth.
- Nutmeg – Complements the butter-rich dough.
Final Thoughts
These Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies bring together the comfort of shortbread, the sweetness of jam, and a crumbly topping for an irresistible treat. Whether you make them for a gathering, a weekend baking project, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.
Would you try these with raspberry jam, or would you experiment with a different filling? Let us know how you enjoy them!