These Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies bring together the luxurious richness of cocoa with the bright, fruity tang of raspberry jam all nestled between tender, buttery cookies. Finished with a ganache drizzle, they’re both indulgent and visually stunning. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a tea party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Their delicate structure and layered flavor make them the perfect treat to accompany an afternoon coffee or to wrap up in a gift box for someone special.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup cocoa powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 tablespoon heavy cream
Directions:
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
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Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are set. Let cool completely.
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Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the flat side of half the cookies.
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Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
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Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
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Drizzle the chocolate over the cookie sandwiches and let set before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chill time)
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 20 sandwich cookies
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies: A Decadent Treat That’s as Beautiful as It Is Delicious
When it comes to elegant and indulgent desserts, Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies tick every box. They are rich, refined, and radiate a homemade charm that’s hard to resist. These cookies blend the deep, velvety notes of chocolate with the bright tartness of raspberry jam to create a balance of flavor that is both classic and unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, gifting homemade sweets, or just indulging your own cravings, these cookies are a timeless choice.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The pairing of chocolate and raspberries is a culinary match made in heaven. Historically, this duo has appeared in everything from cakes and tarts to truffles and mousses. The richness of cocoa naturally complements the fruitiness of raspberries, offering a contrast that’s both sweet and slightly tangy. In sandwich cookie form, this pairing becomes especially delightful the crisp-tender texture of the chocolate cookies combined with the gooey jam center makes for a luxurious bite every time.
What sets this recipe apart is its elegant simplicity. The cookies are not overly fussy in terms of design, but their presentation is polished enough for festive platters, bridal showers, and romantic dinners. A drizzle of ganache elevates their aesthetic, while still allowing the bold flavors to shine.
Why These Cookies Are a Crowd Favorite
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies have several traits that make them a standout dessert option:
1. Perfect Texture Combination
The base cookies are tender, buttery, and slightly crisp around the edges. This creates a perfect structure for sandwiching the soft raspberry jam in the center. Once assembled, the cookies soften slightly over time, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth quality that improves with age.
2. Flavor Contrast
Chocolate offers deep, earthy undertones while the raspberry jam provides a sharp, fruity zing. This contrast makes every bite exciting, preventing the sweetness from becoming overwhelming and allowing for a more refined flavor experience.
3. Visual Appeal
With their ganache drizzle and deep ruby jam peeking through the sandwich layers, these cookies are undeniably photogenic. Whether displayed on a dessert tray or packaged in gift boxes, they have a boutique bakery aesthetic that will appeal to cookie lovers and gourmet connoisseurs alike.
Best Occasions to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies
These cookies are wonderfully versatile and suitable for nearly any occasion. Here are some of the best ways to showcase them:
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Valentine’s Day: The romantic pairing of chocolate and raspberry makes these ideal for Valentine’s Day gift boxes or dessert trays.
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Christmas & Holidays: Their elegant appearance and rich flavors make them a festive addition to holiday cookie exchanges or Christmas Eve platters.
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Bridal or Baby Showers: Their delicate look fits in perfectly with pastel-themed tables and celebratory events.
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Tea Parties: Pair with earl grey, chamomile, or even a glass of rosé for a chic afternoon gathering.
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Everyday Treats: Let’s not forget they’re simple enough to make and enjoy with a cup of coffee on any given day.
Customization Ideas and Variations
One of the joys of baking is experimenting, and this recipe provides ample room for creative twists. Here are a few ways to personalize these cookies to your own preferences or seasonal availability:
1. Different Jams and Preserves
While raspberry is a classic choice, you can swap in other seedless preserves such as:
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Strawberry
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Apricot
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Cherry
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Blackberry
Each will bring a unique dimension to the flavor profile while keeping the same structure.
2. Flavored Dough
Infuse the cookie dough with a hint of espresso powder for a mocha effect, or add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for an aromatic twist.
3. Ganache Toppings
Instead of a simple chocolate drizzle, dip half the cookie in white chocolate or sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries for a gourmet look and extra flavor.
4. Cutout Designs
Use decorative cookie cutters for festive shapes hearts for Valentine’s Day, snowflakes for winter, or flowers for spring. You can also cut out a small window in the top cookie so the jam peeks through.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Instructions
These cookies store beautifully and are even better a day or two after assembling, as the flavors meld and the cookies slightly soften for that perfect bite. Here’s how to handle storage:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
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Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Assemble with jam and drizzle after thawing to maintain the best texture.
If you’re baking ahead for an event, we recommend storing the baked cookies and jam separately and assembling them the night before for peak freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies are lovely on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage or dessert can elevate the experience. Here are a few pairing ideas:
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Coffee & Espresso: The bitterness of coffee beautifully offsets the sweetness of the cookies.
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Herbal Tea: Light floral teas like hibiscus or lavender work wonderfully with the raspberry flavor.
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Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or a sweet dessert wine can enhance the chocolate richness.
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Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or raspberry sorbet for a sophisticated plated dessert.
Health and Dietary Considerations
While these cookies are indulgent by nature, they can be modified for different dietary needs:
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and ensure the chocolate used is dairy-free.
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Reduced Sugar: Use sugar-free jam or a reduced-sugar chocolate drizzle to lighten up the sweetness.
Of course, since these are meant to be a treat, it’s okay to enjoy them in their full decadent form too.
Conclusion:
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies aren’t just a dessert they’re an experience. The elegant texture, visual appeal, and heavenly flavor make them a favorite for any celebration or indulgent moment. They’re simple enough to bake at home but special enough to feel like a gourmet creation. Whether you’re gifting them to a loved one, sharing at a party, or treating yourself to a well-earned sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
