The Dreamiest Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe Ever

Magical raspberry swirl shortbread that dances between buttery richness and fruity brightness.

Delicate layers of sweet-tart raspberry preserve weave through crumbly, golden cookie edges.

Biting into these elegant treats that spark memories of summer afternoons.

Soft raspberry ribbons peek through tender shortbread, creating a visual symphony of colors and textures.

Bakers seeking a simple yet impressive dessert will adore these cookies’ charming simplicity.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between melt-in-your-mouth butter and vibrant raspberry notes.

Rush to your kitchen and let these irresistible cookies become your next baking adventure.

Why Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Are So Addictive

• Swirl with Sweet Surprise: These cookies pack a delightful raspberry jam center that bursts with fruity flavor, creating an unexpected and exciting taste experience in every bite.
• Elegant Bakery-Style Treat: The beautiful swirl pattern and professional-looking design make these shortbread cookies look like they've been crafted by a skilled pastry chef, perfect for impressing guests or gifting.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these sophisticated cookies without feeling overwhelmed by complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies offer a delicate balance of buttery shortbread and tangy raspberry that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

What You’ll Need To Make Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that provides richness and sweetness to the shortbread, best when butter is softened and at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the raspberry and enhances overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender texture to the shortbread cookies, essential for creating the perfect crumbly consistency.

• Raspberry Preserves: Adds fruity swirl and vibrant color, tangy sweetness that contrasts with the buttery shortbread, choose high-quality preserves with visible fruit pieces.

How To Bake Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

• Grab softened butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Flour

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture. Pour in the vanilla extract and gently fold in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Roll Out the Magic

Slice the dough into two equal portions. On a parchment paper canvas, roll each section into a delicate rectangle, aiming for a slender 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 3: Create the Raspberry Surprise

Drizzle a gossamer-thin layer of raspberry preserves across one of the dough rectangles. Tenderly place the second dough rectangle on top, crafting a luscious jam-filled sandwich.

Step 4: Craft the Cookie Log

From one lengthy side, carefully roll the dough into a tight, elegant log. Embrace the log in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour until it becomes firm and solid.

Step 5: Fire Up the Oven

Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a welcoming stage for your cookies.

Step 6: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Unwrap the chilled dough log and slice it into delicate 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange the cookie circles on the prepared baking sheets, giving each one ample breathing room. Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges hint at a golden tan.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for a brief 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack, letting them cool completely before indulging in their buttery, raspberry-swirled goodness.

Tips For Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies That Work

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Bring butter to room temperature by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before baking, ensuring smooth, even mixing without overworking the dough.
• Jam Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, seedless raspberry preserves for a smoother swirl and more intense fruit flavor in your shortbread cookies.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the rolled log for at least 1 hour to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Slice Evenly for Uniform Baking: Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to create consistent 1/4-inch thick cookie rounds that bake uniformly.
• Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How To Store Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for maximum freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp texture and slightly enhance the raspberry flavor. Avoid microwaving, which can make shortbread soggy.
• Moisture Control: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain the cookies' perfect texture and prevent them from becoming too dry.

What To Pair With Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Champagne: Enhance the delicate raspberry shortbread with a crisp, bubbly champagne that complements the buttery cookie and bright fruity notes. The effervescence cuts through the richness while highlighting the sweet-tart raspberry flavor.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The warm, smooth vanilla undertones of a latte beautifully balance the shortbread's delicate texture. Creamy coffee provides a rich contrast to the light, crumbly cookie and elevates the raspberry's subtle sweetness.
• Serve with Almond-Infused Tea: A gentle, nutty almond tea creates a sophisticated pairing that softens the cookie's buttery profile. The light, aromatic tea complements the raspberry's brightness without overwhelming the delicate shortbread's texture.
• Complement with White Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a luxurious white chocolate mousse that mirrors the cookie's creamy essence. The mousse's silky smoothness enhances the raspberry's vibrant color and adds an extra layer of decadent sweetness.

Fun Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookie Variations

• Berry Fusion Cookies: Swap raspberry preserves with a mix of strawberry and blueberry jam for a multi-berry flavor explosion.
• Citrus Zest Shortbread: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing citrus undertone that complements the sweet jam.
• Chocolate Drizzle Version: After cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or pistachios between the dough layers before rolling for added texture and nutty flavor.

Quick Answers About Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry preserves work wonderfully, you can substitute with strawberry, apricot, or any other jam you love. Just ensure it’s a thick, good-quality preserve that won’t make the dough too runny.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and creates a more stable texture for your beautiful swirl cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for subtle golden edges – that’s your key signal. The cookies should look set but not dark brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. A light golden color means they’re just right.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked log for up to a month, which makes these cookies super convenient for advance preparation.

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate raspberry swirl shortbread cookies blend buttery Scottish tradition with sweet berry elegance. Crumbly, golden shortbread mingles with tangy raspberry ribbons, creating a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

• ¼ cup (60 g) raspberry preserves (or your favorite jam)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the butter and sugar until achieving a cloud-like, aerated consistency. Infuse the mixture with vanilla essence, ensuring smooth incorporation.
2. Gently fold flour into the creamy base, delicately blending until a cohesive dough emerges. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
3. Partition the dough into two equal portions. Utilize parchment paper to expertly roll each segment into thin, uniform rectangles approximately 1/4-inch thick.
4. Meticulously spread a gossamer layer of raspberry preserves across one dough rectangle, ensuring complete and even coverage. Delicately position the second dough layer atop the jam-coated surface.
5. Commencing from the elongated edge, skillfully roll the layered dough into a compact, tight cylindrical form. Encase the log in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to allow firm setting.
6. Ignite the oven to 350F, preparing two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough log and slice into delicate rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
7. Arrange cookie rounds on prepared sheets, maintaining generous spacing between each piece. Bake until edges acquire a subtle golden hue, typically 10-12 minutes.
8. Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a wire cooling rack. Permit complete cooling before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

• Softening butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture in the cookie dough. Leave butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Work with cold dough to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape during baking. Refrigerating the log helps create clean, precise slices.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or mixed berry to create unique flavor variations of these elegant cookies.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring the same tender shortbread texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 142
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg