Shortbread Cookies with Dried Raspberries and Nuts – A Perfectly Sweet Treat

If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a touch of fruity sweetness, then shortbread cookies with dried raspberries and nuts are a must-try. The combination of rich shortbread and the vibrant flavors of dried raspberries and crunchy nuts creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will make these cookies irresistible. Whether served at a family gathering, as a treat with your afternoon tea, or packed in a lunchbox, these cookies are sure to impress.

Shortbread is a classic, simple cookie that has been loved for centuries. The addition of dried raspberries and nuts elevates this traditional recipe, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. Dried raspberries provide a chewy burst of fruitiness, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make these delicious shortbread cookies with dried raspberries and nuts. You’ll learn how to prepare the dough, mix in the dried fruit and nuts, and bake the perfect batch of cookies. Plus, we’ll provide tips for storage, variations, and creative serving suggestions.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (50g) dried raspberries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (60g) mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
• 1 tablespoon milk or water (optional, if needed for binding the dough)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl: for preparing the dough
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: for creaming the butter and sugar
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accuracy
• Baking sheet: for baking the cookies
• Parchment paper: for lining the baking sheet
• Rolling pin: if you’re rolling out the dough
• Cookie cutter or knife: for shaping the cookies

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs at first.

3. Incorporate the Flavors: Add the vanilla extract to the dough and mix it in. If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bring it together. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and cohesive.

Step 2: Adding the Dried Raspberries and Nuts

1. Prepare the Dried Raspberries and Nuts: Roughly chop the dried raspberries and mixed nuts into small pieces. This ensures that the dried fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough and not too large to overwhelm the texture of the cookie.

2. Fold in the Add-ins: Gently fold the chopped dried raspberries and nuts into the dough using a spatula or your hands. Make sure the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies

1. Roll the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. If you prefer a thicker or thinner cookie, adjust accordingly.

2. Cut Out the Cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles using a knife.

3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as shortbread cookies can brown quickly.

3. Cool the Cookies: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies with Dried Raspberries and Nuts

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality butter and fresh dried raspberries and nuts. The quality of the ingredients will significantly affect the taste and texture of the cookies.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it, as this can lead to tough cookies. Just mix until the dough comes together.

3. Experiment with Different Nuts: You can use a variety of nuts in this recipe, such as hazelnuts, cashews, or macadamias. Each type of nut will bring its unique flavor and texture to the cookies.

4. Add a Touch of Spice: For a bit of warmth and complexity, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This will complement the sweetness of the raspberries and enhance the overall flavor.

5. Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• With Tea or Coffee: These shortbread cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. The rich, buttery texture and fruity flavor will complement your beverage beautifully.

• As a Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies alongside other baked goods, such as brownies, cakes, or fruit tarts, as part of a dessert platter for a special occasion.

• Gift Idea: Homemade shortbread cookies make excellent gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or jar and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.

Conclusion

These shortbread cookies with dried raspberries and nuts are a perfect blend of buttery richness, fruity sweetness, and crunchy texture. They’re simple to make, yet full of flavor, making them an excellent treat for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a warm drink, serving them at a party, or gifting them to a loved one, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade shortbread with a delightful twist!