Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies
Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies provide a delightful combination of tender pastry and luscious fruit filling, making them an absolute joy to create and share. These charming little cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of warm family gatherings. Their unique bow tie shape is not only pleasing to the eye but also makes for a wonderful treat at any occasion, especially tea parties or brunches. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and offers a step-by-step guide to crafting these delightful confections. With minimal ingredients and a user-friendly approach, you’ll find baking these cookies to be a rewarding experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies recipe for its simplicity and delightful taste. With just a handful of ingredients, the preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The cookies are not only a visual treat but also deliver on flavor, striking a balance between creamy and fruity goodness. As they bake, the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas, enticing your family or guests before they even taste a bite. They’re sure to impress at gatherings, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser. Plus, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand!
Ingredients
To craft these delicious Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies, gather the following ingredients that will play a vital role in their creation:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our dough, providing structure and a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a rich creaminess that elevates the flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Brings a luscious, creamy consistency to the dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough just enough for balance.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses a warm aroma that complements the raspberry jam.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves – Bursting with juicy, sweet fruit flavor that is the star of these cookies.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – Gives the cookies a beautiful golden color.
- Powdered sugar for dusting – A sweet finishing touch that makes these treats visually stunning.
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well to combine. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, ensuring that it combines thoroughly in a soft and slightly sticky dough. Once mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and maintains the shape during baking.
Roll out the dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. After chilling, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness—enough to create a sturdy yet tender cookie that holds its shape.
Cut and shape the cookies:
Using a sharp knife or a square cookie cutter, cut the dough into squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. Place a small spoonful (about a teaspoon) of raspberry jam in the center of each square. Carefully fold the edges of the square towards the center to form a bow tie shape, pinching the corners together to seal the jam inside securely.
Bake the cookies:
To achieve a golden finish, brush each cookie lightly with the beaten egg. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges become lightly golden brown, filling your kitchen with their sweet scent.
Finish and serve:
Once beautifully golden, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. After cooling completely, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet topping that adds to their allure. Now it’s time to serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or simply enjoy them on their own!
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps in maintaining shape and makes the rolling out much easier.
- Experiment with flavors: Substitute the raspberry jam with other fruit preserves, like apricot or strawberry, to mix up the flavors.
- Use a pastry bag: If you find it easier, use a pastry bag to apply the jam in the center of the squares for more precision.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. They shine at tea parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a delightful snack enjoyed at home. Pair them with your favorite beverage—whether that’s a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. Add some fresh berries and whipped cream on the side for a truly luxurious treat!
Nutritional Information
Each Raspberry Bow Tie Cookie contains approximately 150 calories. They offer a delightful treat with an enjoyable sweet taste while providing a touch of richness from the cream cheese and butter. With balance in mind, these cookies can be indulged in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Should you wish to change things up, consider adding lemon zest into the dough for a bright flavor or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
Conclusion
We hope you’re inspired to try this delicious Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies recipe! Their charming appearance and delightful taste are sure to win over hearts. We invite you to share your baking adventures with this recipe. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family treat, these cookies will surely bring smiles to your loved ones. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Simply roll, shape, and bake when you’re ready.
2. Can I use other flavors of jam?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different kinds of fruit preserves. Apricot, strawberry, and cherry would all work beautifully!
3. How can I know when my cookies are done?
Look for a light golden brown color on the edges. They should solidify a little upon cooling as well.
4. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from getting too soft?
Ensure that you chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and shaping it. This helps maintain their structure while baking.
Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well to combine.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Turn the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.
- Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center of each square.
- Fold the edges of the square towards the center to form a bow tie shape, pinching the corners together to seal.
- Brush each cookie lightly with the beaten egg.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
