Dream-Worthy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Sweet-craving bakers adore this raspberry swirl shortbread cookies recipe that blends buttery richness with vibrant fruit.

Delicate layers of tender shortbread dance with swirls of bright raspberry preserves.

Each cookie promises a delightful balance between crumbly texture and fruity brightness.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant treat perfect for afternoon tea or dessert gatherings.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a textural experience that will delight your taste buds.

The raspberry’s tartness cuts through the shortbread’s rich butteriness, creating a harmonious bite.

Prepare to indulge in a cookie that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Ingredient List

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality butter for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp, golden edges; look for fine, pure sugar crystals.
• All-Purpose Flour: Builds cookie structure and provides delicate crumbly texture; select unbleached flour for optimal results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic warmth; opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.

• Raspberry Preserves: Delivers vibrant, sweet-tart flavor and beautiful swirl; select seedless preserves for smooth texture and intense raspberry essence.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie release and prevents sticking; choose non-stick, high-quality baking paper.

Tools For Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for blending butter, sugar, and flour smoothly.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for rolling out dough and preventing sticking.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for creating even, thin dough rectangles.
• Plastic wrap: Helps chill and shape the cookie log.
• Baking sheets: Needed to bake cookies evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing precise cookie rounds.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.

How To Bake Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Dough Foundation

Blend butter and sugar until creamy and soft, incorporating vanilla for rich flavor. Gently fold in flour until a smooth dough forms, handling with light touches to maintain delicate texture.

• Layering Magic

Roll out dough into thin rectangles on parchment paper. Spread vibrant raspberry preserves across one layer, creating a delightful fruity canvas.

• Rolling Technique

Carefully transform the layered dough into a tight, elegant log. Wrap securely in plastic and chill in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up.

• Oven Preparation

Heat oven to a warm 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment, creating a pristine surface for cookie transformation.

• Slicing and Baking

Unwrap chilled log and slice into delicate rounds. Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, providing space for gentle expansion. Bake until edges hint at golden perfection.

• Cooling Celebration

Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to cooling rack. Let them settle into their final, delectable form, ready to be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or shared with loved ones.

Tips For Perfect Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Perfect Texture Tricks: Use room temperature butter for smooth, creamy mixing that prevents tough cookies. Chill dough thoroughly to help maintain shape and enhance flavor concentration during baking.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version. Select low-sugar raspberry preserves to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delightful fruity notes.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for identical texture. Ensure all ingredients, including preserves, are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Flavor Exploration: Experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot, strawberry, or mixed berry to create unique cookie variations. Consider adding orange zest or almond extract to the dough for sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assembled cookie logs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed freezer bag to preserve quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Ways To Serve Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange these swirled cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating an elegant dessert presentation perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings.
• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of chamomile tea or vanilla latte, allowing the raspberry's fruity notes to complement the rich, buttery shortbread beautifully.
• Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making them a charming homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family during special occasions.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Display the cookies on a wooden board with fresh raspberries and mint leaves, transforming them into an eye-catching sweet treat for weekend brunches or special morning celebrations.

How To Store Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Quick Chill Strategy: Wrap the cookie log tightly in plastic wrap, placing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator for maximum firmness and easier slicing.
• Layered Storage Solution: Stack cooled cookies between wax paper sheets inside an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Unbaked cookie logs can be frozen for 3 months. Wrap securely in plastic and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and create the jam-filled log up to 2 days before baking. Keep refrigerated until you're ready to slice and transform them into delectable treats.

Buttery Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Delightful raspberry swirl shortbread cookies blend buttery Scottish shortbread with tangy raspberry jam for an irresistible treat. Crumbly, rich cookies offer sweet-tart layers you’ll savor with afternoon tea or as a delicate dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g) raspberry preserves (or your favorite jam)

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud-like mixture, incorporating vanilla essence until smooth and well-blended.
2. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour into the creamy base, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the mixture.
3. Layering Preparation: Divide dough into two equal portions, rolling each on parchment paper into thin, uniform rectangles measuring 1/4-inch thick.
4. Filling and Rolling: Spread a thin, even layer of raspberry preserves across one dough rectangle, then carefully overlay the second dough sheet. Tightly roll the layered dough from the long edge into a compact log, wrapping securely in plastic and chilling for one hour.
5. Prepping and Slicing: Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment. Extract chilled dough log and slice into delicate 1/4-inch rounds with precision.
6. Baking Process: Arrange cookie rounds on prepared sheets with ample spacing, baking until edges turn a subtle golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Rest cookies briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling to optimize flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, creating the perfect creamy base for tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
• Jam Spreading Technique: Use a thin, even layer of raspberry preserves to prevent oversaturation, which could compromise the cookie’s structural integrity.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerating the dough log is crucial for clean, uniform slices and prevents the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different preserves like apricot or strawberry to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic shortbread technique.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg