If you love the idea of marrying rich chocolate with a bright, fruity filling, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe. I promise you, these treats are a delightful blend of tender cocoa cookies sandwiched with a luscious raspberry cream cheese frosting that’s as fresh as it is indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to impress your friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The bittersweet chocolate cookies pair beautifully with the tangy and sweet raspberry frosting.
- Make-ahead friendly: The dough chills overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies when you’re ready.
- Rich, creamy frosting: The raspberry cream cheese filling is fresh, smooth, and doesn’t overpower the cookies.
- Impressive yet approachable: These look fancy but are easy enough for any home baker to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples enhanced with fresh raspberries to create a standout flavor combo. These ingredients work harmoniously, and sourcing good-quality butter and fresh berries really makes a difference.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for accurate measuring to ensure perfectly textured cookies.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for that rich chocolate depth without added bitterness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and keeps them tender.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp for creamy mixing and to control salt levels.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel note; pack it lightly for best results.
- White sugar: For sweetness and a slight crisp finish on the cookie edges.
- Egg: Room temperature to bind and enrich the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark for melty pockets that highlight the cocoa.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen (not syrup packed); fresh gives the best vibrant taste.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat brick style for tangy, creamy frosting that doesn’t taste artificial.
- Powdered sugar: For that smooth sweetness and frosting structure.
Variations
I love how this Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe can be easily customized to suit your mood or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap out ingredients or tweak flavors, and you’ll find that it adapts really well!
- Use raspberry preserves: If you’re short on time, I substitute fresh raspberry puree with high-quality raspberry jam for the frosting—it’s easier and just as delicious.
- Try dark chocolate chips: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, go with dark chocolate chips to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and it still turns out wonderfully rich.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: Before baking, lightly sprinkle sea salt on each cookie for a lovely salty-sweet contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. I usually take a moment here to smell the cocoa—such a rich chocolate aroma that gets me excited for what’s coming next. Getting this mix right ensures your cookies bake up perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, beat softened butter with brown and white sugar until it’s fluffy and light—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes with a hand mixer. My secret? Make sure your butter is truly room temp, as cold butter doesn’t cream properly and can make your cookies dense.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract until just combined. The egg adds richness, and vanilla enhances every other flavor in this recipe, which is why I never skip it.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Mix & Chocolate Chips
With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture about half at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Your dough will be sticky—that’s exactly what you want! Next, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed. I love seeing the mini chocolate gems nestled throughout the dough here.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight. This chilling step is a game-changer; it firms up the dough so your cookies keep their shape and develop richer flavor while baking. I usually do this step in the evening and bake fresh cookies the next day.
Step 6: Bake Your Chocolate Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out the dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size—slightly smaller than golf balls—and place them about 2 inches apart. I can usually get around 28 cookies from this batch. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops look set but the cookies are still soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Make the Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, it’s frosting time! Blend fresh or thawed raspberries until smooth, then strain through a fine metal sieve to remove seeds. This gives your frosting a silky texture. Simmer the pureed raspberries in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often until it reduces into a thick jammy consistency. Let it cool completely—this intensified flavor is what makes the frosting truly shine.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt, starting with 1 cup and then alternating with the raspberry reduction (make sure it’s cool!) until you’ve reached a spreadable but firm frosting consistency.
Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies
Frost the bottom side of one cookie with about a tablespoon of the raspberry cream cheese frosting, then gently sandwich with another cookie. This step feels like the grand finale, and trust me, once you take that first bite, all your effort will feel worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Chill Thoroughly: I’ve learned that skipping the chilling step results in spreading cookies, so don’t rush this part!
- Use Room-Temp Ingredients: Butter and eggs that aren’t room temp can make your dough tough or separate, so patience here pays off.
- Seed Removal Matters: Passing the raspberry puree through a sieve keeps your frosting silky and smooth, avoiding unexpected crunches.
- Bake Lightly: Don’t overbake; cookies will be soft initially and set as they cool, maintaining that perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of my sandwich cookies for an elegant touch. Occasionally, I add a couple of fresh raspberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate when serving to make these look extra special — especially for parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. If you’re serving them as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream are fantastic accompaniments that elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged these sandwiches on a tiered dessert stand sprinkled with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a bridal shower, and the effect was gorgeous. For holiday gifting, I wrap them individually in parchment and tied with twine—everyone loved receiving those personal touches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because the frosting contains fresh raspberries and cream cheese, I always store these sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days, and chilling actually helps the flavors meld nicely.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen the cookie dough before baking, shaping it into balls first, and then baking straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time. For fully assembled sandwich cookies, wrap them well in plastic wrap and a freezer bag; they freeze for about a month without losing quality.
Reheating
Because these are best enjoyed chilled, I usually let frozen cookies thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want a freshly baked feel when reheating dough, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes until just warmed through but not piping hot to preserve the frosting texture.
FAQs
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just be sure to check your baking soda and cocoa powder labels to avoid any gluten contamination.
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How do I prevent the raspberry frosting from being too runny?
Reducing the raspberry puree by simmering it down until thick like jam is key. Also, ensure it’s completely cooled before adding to the frosting to maintain the desired consistency.
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Can I use frozen raspberries?
Definitely! Just make sure they aren’t packed in syrup. Thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid watery frosting.
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How long does the cookie dough need to chill?
At least 3 hours is essential for dough to firm up, but chilling overnight yields even better flavor and texture.
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Can I skip the chocolate chips?
You can, but adding them gives you little pockets of melty chocolate that really take these cookies to the next level. I highly recommend including them.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is truly one of those crowd-pleasers that brings so much joy every time I make it. The combination of soft chocolate cookies with creamy, tangy raspberry frosting feels luxurious yet approachable—a treat you’ll want to share (and keep secret) all at once! Give it a try soon, and I bet these sandwiches will become your new go-to for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Print
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 14 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies feature rich, fudgy chocolate cookies sandwiched with a tangy and sweet raspberry cream cheese frosting made from fresh raspberries. Perfectly balanced with a luscious chocolate base and fruity frosting, these cookies are ideal for an elegant dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen (not in syrup)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 oz full-fat cream cheese, brick style
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dough ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture about half at a time. The dough will be sticky. Stir in the chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to chill the dough thoroughly.
- Bake the cookies: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, slightly smaller than a golf ball, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the tops look set but the cookies are still soft. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the raspberry puree: Place raspberries in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine metal sieve using the back of a spoon to push the mixture through, removing the seeds. Transfer the seedless puree to a small saucepan over low heat.
- Reduce the raspberry puree: Bring the puree to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. Let it simmer and reduce until thickened to a jam-like consistency, which will yield only a few tablespoons. Remove from heat and allow the puree to cool completely before using.
- Make the raspberry cream cheese frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Beat in the full-fat cream cheese until combined and smooth. On low speed, add about 1 cup of powdered sugar and the salt, mixing well. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooled raspberry puree and stir to combine. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar in increments of 1/2 cup, mixing after each addition. Incorporate the remaining raspberry puree (about 1 tablespoon) gradually, ensuring the frosting has a smooth, creamy texture with a vibrant raspberry flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the raspberry cream cheese frosting onto the flat bottom side of one chocolate cookie. Top with a second cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining cookies; this recipe yields about 14 sandwiches in total.
Notes
- Chilling the cookie dough for at least 3 hours or overnight is essential to achieve the right texture and flavor concentration.
- If pressed for time, substitute fresh raspberry puree with 1-2 tablespoons of seedless raspberry preserves or jam, skipping steps 4-5 of the frosting preparation.
- Store the sandwich cookies in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling due to the fresh berries; they will keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- This recipe yields about 14 sandwich cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting.
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on one sandwich cookie with frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg