Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have a marvelous recipe for you today. Raspberry Shortbread Bars are awesome. If you enjoy raspberry flavored desserts, these are a must-bake for the holidays this year! They have a delightful shortbread crust, topped with raspberry preserves and then a coconut topping which is marvelous. These are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, office parties or for Christmas open houses.

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Years ago–try decades ago, I found this amazing recipe in Parade magazine. That was back in the days when Willard Scott was a weatherman for NBC Today show (circa 1970s or 1980s). He shared this recipe, and if I recall the story correctly this recipe was from an aunt. I made sure to clip the recipe and I’m sure glad I did.

I think I tried the recipe soon afterwards. We loved it so this cookie definitely made our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza list a few times. It’s a little gooey so it’s harder to slide into our bags for Christmas shipments, but it’s still awfully good and a must-make if all you have to do is slight the treats onto a platter.

If you’re looking for a divine bar-type cookie for the holidays this year, Raspberry Shortbread Bars should be on your list! I’m serious, one mouthful and you’ll be salivating until you eat another, and another, and another…… 🙂

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars are terrific treats for holiday baking. They’re so pretty!

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

You’ll be drooling over every bite!

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars are ooey, gooey and so delicious!

Here’s what I did.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

I used these ingredients for the crust layer.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Combine baking powder and flour. Add a stick of cold butter and cut through with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

This is what the mixture looks like after working in the butter.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Add an egg and milk. (I never buy milk so I used half-and-half instead).

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Stir mixture to combine.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Spread shortbread mixture into bottom of a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Spread raspberry preserves over top.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

I used these ingredients for the coconut topping.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Beat egg. Add sugar and melted butter.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Add vanilla and coconut.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Stir ingredients to combine.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Sprinkle topping ingredients over top of raspberry preserves.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until bars are set and topping is lightly browned.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

These bars actually set up quite nicely after baking.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

If you’re looking for some marvelous goodies for office Christmas parties, you’ve got to consider these jewels.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars are too delicious for words. Prepare yourself for a heavenly treat!

Here’s the recipe.

RASPBERRY SHORTBREAD BARS

(Recipe adapted from Willard Scott’s “Raspberry Squares” as found in Parade Magazine, circa 1980s)

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Raspberry Shortbread Bars are breathtaking! These heavenly bars have a delicious shortbread crust, topped with a raspberry preserve layer & a coconut (macaroon-type) layer. They're perfect for holiday parties and baking.
3.34 from 24 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 whisk or fork
  • 1 spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods) 12-oz. raspberry preserves
  • 1 tbsp. milk (I used half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
  • 12 oz. raspberry preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9x13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • To make crust: mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and milk (or half-and-half) and stir to combine.
  • Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan with fork or hands.
  • Spread raspberry preserves on top of crust layer to within ¼ to ½ inch of border.

TOPPING:

  • To make topping: Beat egg with fork or whisk.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
Recipe adapted from Willard Scott, formerly NBC Today show weatherman and comedian.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Keyword coconut, cookie, dessert, raspberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars will be the hit at every party!

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Every bite is scrumptious!

Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Red Raspberries make these cookies so delightful!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Raspberry Almond Bars

Raspberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these irresistible #brownies are rich, decadent & absolutely sensational! They're perfect for #holiday & #Christmas #baking as they are so festive & beautiful. These layered #cookies use vanilla chips, #Raspberry preserves & #almonds. #holidaybaking #ChristmasCookieExchange #dessert #raspberrydessert

Coconut Raspberry Bars

Coconut Raspberry Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Raspberry Lemonade Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this heavenly 6-ingredient #recipe is perfect for #fall & #holiday #baking. It's especially good for #Christmas #cookie exchanges. It has a #raspberry preserves layer and a #cheesecake layer sandwiched between pink #lemonade cookie mix. So drool-worthy! #dessert #holidaydessert #Christmasdessert #raspberrydessert
Raspberry Shortbread Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie type bars are absolutely divine! They have a shortbread crust, topped with #raspberry preserves & a #coconut topping. You'll be drooling over every bite! #dessert

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Raspberry Shortbread Bars are breathtaking! These heavenly bars have a delicious shortbread crust, topped with a raspberry preserve layer & a coconut (macaroon-type) layer. They're perfect for holiday parties and baking.
3.34 from 24 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 whisk or fork
  • 1 spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods) 12-oz. raspberry preserves
  • 1 tbsp. milk (I used half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
  • 12 oz. raspberry preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9×13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • To make crust: mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and milk (or half-and-half) and stir to combine.
  • Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan with fork or hands.
  • Spread raspberry preserves on top of crust layer to within ¼ to ½ inch of border.

TOPPING:

  • To make topping: Beat egg with fork or whisk.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
Recipe adapted from Willard Scott, formerly NBC Today show weatherman and comedian.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Keyword coconut, cookie, dessert, raspberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

6 Comments

  • Trish

    November 24, 2021 at 7:10 am

    Just wondering if I can add something else then coconut since I’m allergic or just skip it totally?? I though of replacing it with slice almond … what do you think?

    Thanks for sharing and can wait to hear back so I can make it!

    Trish

    1. Teresa

      November 25, 2021 at 7:29 am

      Hi, Trish, I think sliced almonds would be great. Because of the topping it needs some body to it. I don’t think you can skip it without it burning or turning out weird on top. Hope this helps.

  • Barb

    February 5, 2021 at 6:32 am

    Hi,
    These look scrumptious!
    I’m wondering what you mean by preserves though…… is it jam, or ???

    1. Teresa

      February 8, 2021 at 6:27 am

      Hi Barb. Any kind of jelly will work. Preserves have pieces of whole fruit and are not totally pureed like jelly.

  • Mona

    November 23, 2017 at 7:39 pm

    I just recently discovered your blog and I love it!
    The beautiful pictures showing every part of the recipe is really great!
    Also the fact (for me!) that everything is easy to make and is not costing a arm and a leg.
    Thank you for providing delicious recipes !
    Mona.

    1. Teresa

      November 24, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Hi, Mona! Thanks so much for your sweet and encouraging comments. I’m also grateful for you thoughts about my photography. I realize I’m definitely not the best photographer out there, but I try really hard. 🙂 I have a lot of Christmas cookie recipes coming up. Be on the look out!

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