Name: Raspberry Swirl Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened); 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt; 1/3 cup of seedless raspberry jam; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Raspberry Swirl Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines a buttery, tender dough with ribbons of vibrant raspberry jam swirled throughout each bite. These cookies aren’t just a feast for your eyes with their whimsical red spirals, but they also melt in your mouth with every nibble. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or add a special twist to your cookie platter, these swirls put fruity fun right at your fingertips!

Raspberry Swirl Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Prep is a breeze with a handful of humble staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays a key role—building flavor, creating the signature flakiness, and helping those gorgeous swirls really pop.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Lends plush tenderness and tangy richness to every cookie.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds luxurious flavor and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
All-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups, sifted): The backbone of the dough—make sure it’s sifted for optimal lightness.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t skip this! It sharpens the flavors and balances out the sweet and tangy notes.
Seedless raspberry jam (1/3 cup): The star swirl—pick a vibrant, seedless jam for best results and smooth spreading.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty, snowy finish that balances and sweetens each bite.

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl. This isn’t just mixing—it’s aerating the dough, setting up that soft, luscious texture. Take your time until the mixture is perfectly smooth and well blended. Gradually sift in the flour and kosher salt, mixing gently until a soft dough comes together. Don’t overwork it; just stop when everything is incorporated.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and quickly shape it into a flattened disc. This makes rolling so much easier later on! Cover the disc tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough relax and firms it just enough for easy handling.

Step 3: Rolling Out to Perfection

Once the dough is cold but malleable, dust your surface and rolling pin with flour. Start by rolling the dough into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Give it an extra dusting, then carefully roll it larger—aiming for about 10-by-30 inches. Thin, even dough is the secret to those signature swirls in your Raspberry Swirl Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Jam & Create the Swirl

Grab your seedless raspberry jam and spread a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a half-inch edge along one short side. This jamless border is your sealing zone. Now, starting from the jelly-smothered side, gently roll the dough into a log, finishing with that bare edge for a tidy seal. Wrap and chill the log for 15 minutes—this helps the cookies hold their shape during slicing.

Step 5: Preheat and Slice

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take the chilled dough log and, using a sharp knife or a piece of clean sewing thread, slice into precise 1/4-inch rounds. If you use thread, you’ll get smooth, neat edges without squishing your swirls!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Keep an eye out: the raspberry swirls will glisten!

Step 7: Cool & Finishing Touches

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the pan for a minute before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’re cooled, give each Raspberry Swirl Cookie a blanket of powdered sugar. It’s pure magic!

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Cookies

Garnishes

For extra flair, dust your Raspberry Swirl Cookies with a generous cloud of powdered sugar just before serving. If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut over the top while the cookies are still warm, so they stick! Tiny edible flowers or a fresh raspberry perched on the side makes them party-ready.

Side Dishes

Raspberry Swirl Cookies shine alongside a cozy cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, they pair beautifully with lemon scones, fruit salad, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side. The sweet-tart berry flavor also blends well with herbal teas or a fresh berry smoothie.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Raspberry Swirl Cookies in a tall glass jar, tie with a ribbon, and present as a charming homemade gift. For a more dramatic display, arrange them on a cake stand or serving platter interspersed with fresh mint leaves and a scattering of extra fresh raspberries. Or, layer them in a tin with parchment between each layer for an elegant hostess gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store Raspberry Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the swirls looking their best and prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, add the powdered sugar dusting after thawing.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, let the Raspberry Swirl Cookies thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you prefer a just-baked warmth, a quick 2–3 minutes in a low oven (around 300°F) does the trick—just enough to refresh without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam gives these cookies their signature tang and color, you can substitute strawberry, apricot, or blackberry for a fun twist. Just make sure your jam is seedless and not too runny.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?

Generously flour your surface, rolling pin, and even the dough itself. If things start to get sticky, pop the dough in the fridge for a few more minutes—chilled dough is much easier to handle.

Can I make Raspberry Swirl Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough log can be prepared, wrapped, and refrigerated up to two days ahead or frozen for up to a month. Slice and bake straight from the fridge or thawed freezer, adding just a minute or two of extra bake time.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your Raspberry Swirl Cookies come out larger than expected, it’s likely the dough was too warm when sliced or baked. Always chill the dough at each step to help it hold shape and maintain those beautiful swirls.

What’s the best way to get clean, neat swirls?

For crisp, eye-catching spirals, use a sharp knife or a piece of flavorless dental floss to slice your cookie log. Gentle pressure and a quick, confident cut will keep each swirl distinct instead of smushed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the charm of Raspberry Swirl Cookies! Baking them is just as delightful as sharing and eating them, so gather your ingredients, swirl up some joy, and don’t forget to share a few with someone you love.

Raspberry Swirl Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Raspberry Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat with a buttery cream cheese dough wrapped around a sweet raspberry jam filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt

Filling:

1/3 cup of seedless raspberry jam
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preparing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Shaping and Chilling the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Rolling Out the Dough: Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle, dust with flour, and roll into a larger rectangle.
Adding the Jam and Forming the Log: Spread jam on the dough, roll into a log, and chill.
Preheating and Slicing the Dough: Preheat oven, slice the log into cookies.
Baking: Bake the cookies at 375°F for 17-20 minutes.
Cooling and Finishing: Cool the cookies on a wire rack, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

Notes

You can substitute the raspberry jam with your favorite fruit preserves for a different flavor.
Make sure the dough is well chilled for easier handling.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American