There’s something almost magical about these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies. They’re buttery, crumbly, and melt in your mouth with every bite, while that vibrant swirl of raspberry jam adds a sweet-tart pop that makes them absolutely unforgettable. Imagine a tender shortbread dough, rolled with a luscious raspberry filling, baked to golden perfection, and sliced into gorgeous pinwheel cookies. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe—it’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, gifting them to friends, or simply treating yourself with a cup of tea, these cookies fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or whenever you need a little sweetness in your day.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients to create bakery-worthy cookies.

Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, and the results are stunning.

Customizable: Swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a fun twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Gorgeous pinwheels that taste as good as they look—everyone will be impressed!

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Here’s what makes these cookies irresistible—the combination of a delicate shortbread base and fruity filling. Let’s break it down:

Butter: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.

Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart raspberry filling.

Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the shortbread dough.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their structure while keeping them tender.

Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.

Raspberry Jam: The star swirl—sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with berry flavor.

Powdered Sugar (Optional): For dusting, adding a delicate finish to the cookies.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and that perfect shortbread texture.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together—don’t overmix.

Prepare Your Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Assemble the Cookies

Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Slice and Arrange

Once chilled, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.

Finishing Touches

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

These cookies are perfect with tea, coffee, or simply on their own. They also make wonderful edible gifts!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 130

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them:

• Pair with hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
• Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Chill the dough thoroughly to keep the swirl intact while slicing.
• Use seedless raspberry jam for a smooth texture.
• For an extra festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate after baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and buttery.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use other jams besides raspberry?
   Yes! Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam all work beautifully.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
   Yes, chilling is crucial to prevent spreading and to keep the swirl defined.
3. Can I freeze the dough log?
   Absolutely. Freeze the log, then thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
   The dough may not have been chilled enough, or too much jam was used.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, just substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
6. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   About 4–5 days in an airtight container.
7. Can I add lemon zest to the dough?
   Definitely! Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note.
8. Do I need to use powdered sugar on top?
   It’s optional, but it adds a lovely finishing touch.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    Of course! Just divide the dough into two logs for easier handling.

Conclusion

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are as pretty as they are delicious, with buttery layers wrapped around a fruity swirl of jam. They’re simple to make yet elegant enough to impress guests, and they bring a little touch of joy to any occasion. Bake up a batch, share them (or not!), and savor every sweet bite.

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