1tablespoonfresh lemon zestfrom about 1 large lemon
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1¾cupsall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
¼teaspoonsalt
⅓cupthick raspberry jamseedless preferred
½cuppowdered sugarfor rolling
Instructions
Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until a soft dough forms — don’t overmix.
Swirl in raspberry jam: Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam over the dough. Gently fold the dough 2–3 times, just enough to create visible raspberry streaks. Do not fully mix.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Prep to bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll & coat: Scoop dough into 1½–2 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll generously in powdered sugar and place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The cookies should crack on top.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use thick raspberry jam so it doesn’t melt away into the dough.
Chill time is key for thicker cookies and a better crinkle.
Cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center — that’s what keeps them soft.