Magical Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Soft, buttery raspberry swirl shortbread cookies dance with sweet-tart elegance across your kitchen counter.

Delicate swirls of vibrant fruit wind through crumbly, golden dough like beautiful ribbons.

Shortbread’s classic simplicity meets fruity excitement in this delightful treat.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that surprises and delights.

Mediterranean butter and fresh raspberries create magic in every delicate bite.

Crumbling gently and releasing bright berry notes, these cookies invite pure indulgence.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.

Reasons to Love Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Create Stunning Dessert: Impress guests and family with a visually striking cookie that looks like a professional bakery creation.
• Minimal Ingredient Requirement: Uses basic pantry staples like butter, flour, sugar, and raspberry jam for a simple yet delightful treat.
• Perfect for Sweet Lovers: Combines buttery shortbread texture with tangy raspberry swirl, delivering a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
• Stress-Free Preparation: No complicated techniques needed – just basic mixing, rolling, and slicing make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender shortbread texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the soft, delicate crumb of the cookies.
• Flour: Forms the primary structure and gives the shortbread its classic crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the shortbread's flavor profile.

• Raspberry Jam: Creates a vibrant, fruity swirl and adds a burst of color and tangy sweetness to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional Dusting): Provides a delicate, elegant finishing touch to the baked cookies.

How to Bake Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Buttery Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until they transform into a silky, light mixture. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Gradually fold in flour and salt, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The texture should be tender yet hold together without sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Raspberry Swirl

Grab two parchment paper sheets and roll out the dough into a delicate rectangle. Spread raspberry jam generously across the surface, creating a vibrant layer.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, similar to rolling a cozy blanket. Wrap the log completely in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour – or overnight for deeper flavor development.

Step 3: Slice and Bake to Golden Perfection

Fire up the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Retrieve the chilled dough log and use a sharp knife to cut elegant, thin rounds. Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet with gentle spacing.

Slide into the oven and bake until edges turn a gorgeous light golden color, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Garnish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a brief 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to reach room temperature. For an extra touch of elegance, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

These cookies are ready to melt hearts and delight taste buds!

Tips for Perfect Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Spread raspberry jam thinly and evenly to prevent oversaturation and ensure a balanced flavor in each bite.
• Cut cookies with a very sharp knife to create clean, precise edges and maintain the beautiful swirl pattern.
• Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges turn light golden to keep them tender and prevent drying out.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their delicate texture.

Variations of Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Chocolate Raspberry Fusion: Add cocoa powder to the shortbread dough and use dark chocolate raspberry jam for an intense flavor combination.
• Almond Raspberry Dream: Mix ground almonds into the dough and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Lavender Raspberry Elegance: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the dough and use lavender-infused raspberry preserves for a sophisticated herbal note.
• Lemon Raspberry Zinger: Add lemon zest to the shortbread dough and use a tangy lemon-raspberry jam to create a bright, citrusy profile.

Foods to Pair with Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Indulge these raspberry shortbread cookies with a delicate moscato or late harvest riesling, which complement the buttery cookie and bright raspberry swirl with their sweet, fruity notes.
• Combine with Herbal Tea: Brew a chamomile or lavender tea that softens the cookie's richness and enhances the delicate raspberry flavor, creating a soothing afternoon treat.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Gelato: Serve alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla gelato, allowing the cookie's crumbly texture to contrast beautifully with the cold, silky dessert and amplify the raspberry's tartness.
• Create a Cheese Plate Companion: Select a mild, creamy goat cheese or brie that balances the cookie's sweetness and provides a luxurious counterpoint to the raspberry's bright flavor.

How to Store Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and preventing jam from spoiling.

Wrap the rolled dough log tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture. Place a piece of bread in container to help maintain softness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of jam?

Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or any other fruit jam that complements the buttery shortbread flavor.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Always use parchment paper when rolling out the dough and keep the surface lightly floured to prevent sticking.

• What if my dough is too soft to roll?

If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up before rolling and swirling with jam.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough log?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked jam swirl log for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet raspberry jam dances through delicate shortbread in this irresistible Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies recipe. Buttery, crumbly layers meld with fruity swirls, creating a perfect treat for afternoon tea or elegant dessert gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavoring Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Swirl Ingredient:

• 1/3 cup raspberry jam (seedless)

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety butter and powdered sugar mixture by whipping them together until silky smooth, incorporating vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
2. Fold in flour and salt gently, creating a pliable dough that holds together without excessive stickiness.
3. Unfurl the dough between parchment sheets, stretching into a rectangular canvas approximately 14-inch thick.
4. Lavish the surface with an even layer of vibrant raspberry jam, transforming the pale dough into a fruity landscape.
5. Meticulously roll the dough into a compact cylindrical form, mimicking a jelly roll technique, ensuring a tight, uniform spiral.
6. Encase the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and structure to solidify.
7. Preheat oven to 350F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the upcoming culinary transformation.
8. Extract the chilled log and slice into delicate 14-inch thick medallions using a razor-sharp knife.
9. Arrange cookie rounds with precise spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden hue, signaling perfect doneness.
11. Rest cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling gentle cooling and structural stabilization.
12. Transfer to wire rack, letting them cool completely before optional dusting with powdered sugar for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without overmixing.
• Use high-quality seedless raspberry jam for cleaner, more vibrant swirl and consistent texture throughout cookies.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain precise cookie shape during baking.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to guarantee even golden-brown edges and uniform color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg