Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Name: Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup raspberry jam; ¼ cup white chocolate, melted

Published: December 16, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This shortbread cookie recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet raspberry jam creates a delightful contrast that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies fit perfectly into any occasion.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant raspberry swirl and elegant white chocolate drizzle make these cookies visually appealing and perfect for sharing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Plastic wrap
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients efficiently, ensuring a smooth dough.
Rolling pin: This tool helps achieve the perfect thickness for your dough, allowing for even baking.
Wire rack: Cooling cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy and allows air circulation for optimal cooling.

Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shortbread Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the shortbread base)
½ cup granulated sugar (to sweeten the shortbread)
2 cups all-purpose flour (for structure in the cookies)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (to flavor the shortbread dough)

For the Fruity Swirl

½ cup raspberry jam (for a fruity swirl inside the cookies)

For the Drizzle

¼ cup white chocolate, melted (for a decorative drizzle)

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Spread raspberry jam evenly over the rolled dough.

Step 5: Form the Log

Carefully roll the dough into a log, ensuring that the jam remains inside. Wrap this log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier slicing.

Step 6: Slice Cookies

Once chilled, slice the log into ¼ inch thick rounds. Place these slices on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.

Your Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee. The buttery flavor of the shortbread complements the warmth of the beverages perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

Arrange cookies on a decorative platter alongside other treats. Mixing with chocolate truffles and fruit can create an eye-catching dessert display.

At Holiday Gatherings

Serve these cookies at holiday events or family gatherings. Their festive appearance and sweet raspberry swirl will impress guests and leave them wanting more.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

Package these cookies in a pretty box or jar as a thoughtful gift. Personal touches like ribbons or labels can enhance the presentation.

How to Perfect Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

To ensure your Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, leading to a lighter texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the rolled dough helps maintain shape during baking and makes slicing easier.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off. This prevents dense cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges for optimal texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Try different jams like blueberry or strawberry for unique variations of this cookie recipe.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too hard.

Best Side Dishes for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a fluffy accompaniment that pairs well with the rich flavors of shortbread.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream creates a creamy contrast that makes each bite even more indulgent.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a light, fruity counterpoint to the richness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for savory notes that complement the sweet cookie flavors.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that everyone will love.
Espresso Shots: A shot of strong espresso offers a bold beverage option that enhances the buttery flavors in each bite.
Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and saltiness, creating an interesting contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

Not chilling the dough – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Always refrigerate the rolled log for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Using stale ingredients – Fresh ingredients are key for flavor. Always check that your butter and flour are fresh before starting.
Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are just golden to maintain a soft texture.
Skipping the parchment paper – This can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
Inconsistent slice thickness – Uniform slices ensure even baking. Use a sharp knife and aim for equal thickness when cutting the log.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat with a lid, warming each cookie for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can mash fresh raspberries and mix them with sugar for a more natural flavor, but it may alter the consistency slightly.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can work well. Ensure it’s a one-to-one replacement for best results.

Can I customize the swirl?

Absolutely! You can use other fruit preserves like strawberry or blueberry if you prefer different flavors for your swirl.

How long do Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies last?

When stored properly, they will last in the refrigerator for about a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

Drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies adds a beautiful finish. You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or edible glitter!

Final Thoughts

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the fruit swirl or try different types of chocolate drizzle. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!

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