Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and salted butter. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Sugar. Gradually add the sugar to the creamed mixture, continuing to beat until it's fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour. Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl and gently mix it with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Form the Cookies. Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Create the Thumbprint. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. These will hold the raspberry preserves.
Step 7: Fill with Raspberry Preserves. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves into each thumbprint. Be generous, as the preserves will create a delicious burst of flavor.
Step 8: Bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
