These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with the freshness of raspberries swirled into soft, buttery cookie dough. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a simple, delicious treat, these cookies will surely impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. The vibrant pink streaks of raspberry create an eye-catching appearance while the soft, chewy texture of the cookies makes each bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 27 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious, homemade cookies. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this a perfect recipe for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The raspberry swirl adds a fresh, tangy element to the sweet sugar cookie dough, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

• Visually Stunning: The raspberry puree creates beautiful marbled streaks, making these cookies as gorgeous as they are tasty.

• Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy treat at home to a sweet gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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)

Directions

1. Make the Raspberry Swirl
   In a small bowl, mash the raspberries with sugar (and lemon juice, if using). Stir until the mixture forms a thick puree. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.

3. Add the Raspberry Swirl
   Gently fold the raspberry puree into the dough using a spatula. Avoid overmixing so that you maintain a marbled effect, with bright pink streaks scattered throughout the dough.

4. Scoop and Bake
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them a few inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.

5. Cool and Serve
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or cooled—these cookies are delicious either way!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Use Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen raspberries can be thawed and used to make the swirl.

• Lemon Zest: For a more citrusy twist, add lemon zest to the cookie dough or the raspberry swirl.

• Cream Cheese: For a richer flavor, try adding 4 oz of cream cheese to the cookie dough to make them extra soft.

• Coloring: If you want even more vibrant cookies, you can add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the raspberry swirl.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in a sealed bag or container to maintain their freshness.

• Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I get the marbled effect in the dough?

To achieve the beautiful marbled effect, gently fold the raspberry puree into the dough without overmixing. The goal is to leave streaks of raspberry throughout the dough.

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen raspberries instead of fresh. Just thaw them before mashing and making the swirl.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a more festive look.

How do I soften butter quickly?

To soften butter quickly, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts of 5 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon to help with the texture.

Can I make these cookies without the raspberry swirl?

Yes, if you prefer plain sugar cookies, you can skip the raspberry swirl and follow the basic sugar cookie dough recipe. Add a little lemon zest or vanilla extract for flavor if desired.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, a hand mixer works just fine to beat the butter and sugar together. It will make the process quicker and easier.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This can help make the dough easier to handle and enhance the flavor.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to bake for any occasion. They combine the soft, buttery goodness of a sugar cookie with the fresh, tangy flavor of raspberries. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just a regular day of baking, they are sure to be a hit. Simple, colorful, and utterly delicious, these cookies will leave everyone asking for more!