Nothing says holiday magic quite like these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Raspberry Shortbread Cookies. With their buttery texture, sweet raspberry centers, and festive charm, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. I discovered this recipe on 1st Recipes and couldn’t wait to share it with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a holiday classic that balances rich, buttery shortbread with the sweet and tangy burst of raspberry jam. They’re easy to make yet elegant enough to impress at any festive occasion. Plus, their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them utterly irresistible!

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup raspberry jam
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
   • Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent in the center of each ball.
3. Fill with Jam:
   • Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each indent, being careful not to overfill.
4. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Optional Finishing Touch:
   • Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

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Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 6g

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Shortbread Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
• Jam Options: Swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for variety.
• Festive Touch: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for holiday flair.
• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer shelf life.

These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Raspberry Shortbread Cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. Try them today, and explore more festive recipes on 1st Recipes.