Raspberry Shortbread with a White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Sweet, buttery, and bursting with raspberry flavor, these shortbread cookies make an elegant treat for any occasion. The combination of crumbly shortbread, fruity raspberry jam, and a decadent white chocolate drizzle is irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon teas, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. This recipe will walk you through each step to make these delightful treats, so you can create bakery-quality cookies at home. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Raspberry Shortbread with a White Chocolate Drizzle
To make approximately 30-40 raspberry shortbread cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (about 10 ounces)
- 5-6 ounces white chocolate chips (for the drizzle)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated. This creates a smooth, flavorful base for the cookies.
Step 2: Add the Flour Gradually
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the all-purpose flour, about half a cup at a time. Mixing gradually helps to prevent a floury mess and ensures that the dough comes together evenly. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms, which should be easy to roll without being sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Dough into Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave a bit of space between each ball, as the cookies will spread slightly while baking.
Step 4: Create a Well for the Jam
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press down gently in the center of each dough ball to create a small “well” or indentation. This will hold the raspberry jam and give the cookies their signature look.
Step 5: Add the Raspberry Jam
With a small spoon, carefully fill each indentation with seedless raspberry jam. Be mindful not to overfill, as the jam may spill over the sides while baking. Just a small amount, about half a teaspoon, is enough to add the perfect burst of raspberry flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread cookies are meant to be soft and tender. Once done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the White Chocolate Drizzle
Place the white chocolate chips in a food processor to finely chop or pulverize them into a coarse powder. Transfer the chocolate to a sturdy Ziploc freezer bag and microwave in 10-second intervals, kneading the bag between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted. Once melted, cut a small snip in one corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag.
Step 8: Drizzle the White Chocolate
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies by gently squeezing the Ziploc bag. Move in a sweeping, zig-zag motion to create a beautiful white chocolate pattern over the jam-topped cookies. Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature, or place the cookies in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process.
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
- Using High-Quality Butter: Butter is the main ingredient in shortbread, so using a high-quality butter will yield a richer, more flavorful cookie.
- Choosing the Right Jam: Seedless raspberry jam is ideal, as it provides a smooth texture. If you prefer other flavors, try strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for a different twist.
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes. This will make shaping the cookies easier and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Melting the Chocolate: If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the chocolate chips with a knife before melting them. Be sure to microwave in short bursts to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Storing the Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once the white chocolate has hardened, place the cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs for Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle
Can I use other types of jam for these cookies?
Yes! While raspberry jam is classic, you can use any seedless jam or fruit preserves you prefer. Apricot, strawberry, or even blueberry jams make lovely alternatives that complement the shortbread and white chocolate.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Using room temperature butter and avoiding overmixing the dough can help prevent spreading. You can also chill the dough balls on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for the white chocolate drizzle?
A Ziploc bag works perfectly as a DIY piping bag. Just snip a small corner to control the drizzle. Alternatively, use a fork to drizzle the chocolate for a rustic look.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 1-2 days ahead. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it’s too firm to shape.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Once the white chocolate has hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned in the tips.
Can I substitute the white chocolate?
If you prefer, you can use dark or milk chocolate for the drizzle. White chocolate provides a nice contrast to the raspberry and is visually appealing, but other chocolates will work as well.
Enjoy baking these raspberry shortbread cookies with white chocolate drizzle, a delightful treat that brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Share them with loved ones, give them as gifts, or simply treat yourself—each bite is a taste of pure indulgence!