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Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 77 reviews

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies combine a rich, buttery dough with tangy seedless raspberry jam, creating a delicious swirl pattern and a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Softened cream cheese and butter yield a tender texture, while a dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet finishing touch. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling and Finishing

  • 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Cream the dairy: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, forming the base of the dough.
  2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the creamed mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it firmly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
  4. Roll out the dough: On a floured work surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle roughly 10 inches by 12 inches. Lightly dust with additional flour and continue rolling out the dough into a longer rectangle about 10 inches by 30 inches for spreading jam.
  5. Apply the jam: Evenly spread the seedless raspberry jam over the dough surface, leaving a ½-inch border on one short edge to facilitate sealing.
  6. Form the log: Starting from the jam-covered edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then seal the edge by pinching the dough. Wrap and chill the log for 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.
  7. Preheat and slice: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using dental floss or a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch thick cookies, ensuring clean edges.
  8. Bake the cookies: Arrange the cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
  9. Cool and finish: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar to finish.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough thoroughly makes rolling and slicing easier and results in cleaner cookie shapes.
  • Use high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best texture and a smooth swirl effect.
  • Cutting the cookie log with dental floss or thread helps achieve smoother, precise slices without sticking.
  • Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness; they can also be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.

Keywords: shortbread cookies, raspberry swirl, cream cheese cookies, baked cookies, jam cookies, buttery cookies, dessert, snack