Quick Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe That Dazzles

Sweet memories often dance through my kitchen when I mix these delectable raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.

Butter softens slowly on the countertop, waiting to become something magical.

Delicate cookie dough promises a symphony of flavors waiting to unfold.

Swirling raspberry preserves creates mesmerizing patterns that catch everyone’s eye.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful contrast in each bite.

Crumbly shortbread meets fruity brightness, creating a treat that feels both classic and unexpected.

Baking these cookies will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons friends to gather.

You’ll want to savor every delicate, buttery morsel of this charming dessert.

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies With Tart Ribbons

• Prepare the dough ahead of time, then slice and bake when you're ready for a delightful homemade dessert that takes just 25 minutes total.
• Raspberry swirl adds a vibrant, fruity twist to classic shortbread, making these cookies irresistible for family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea.
• The dough can be refrigerated for several days or frozen, allowing you to have fresh, delicious cookies ready at a moment's notice.

Ingredients List for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: The foundation for rich, tender shortbread with a smooth texture. Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for best results.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, crisp cookie. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
• Flour: Creates the classic shortbread structure and crumbly texture. All-purpose flour is ideal.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended.

• Raspberry Preserves: Delivers a bright, fruity swirl through the cookie. Select a high-quality, seedless preserve for smooth texture.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking. Non-stick and heat-resistant.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps shape and chill the cookie dough log. Standard kitchen plastic wrap works well.

How to Prepare Raspberry Swirl Cookies at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Buttery Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture. Splash in vanilla extract for a delightful aroma. Gently fold in flour, stirring until the dough just comes together.

Step 2: Roll Out the Canvas

Separate the dough into two equal portions. On a parchment paper surface, roll each section into a rectangular shape, aiming for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 3: Create the Raspberry Surprise

Generously spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves across one dough rectangle. Carefully lay the second dough sheet on top, forming a jammy sandwich.

Step 4: Craft the Swirl Log

From the long edge, tightly roll the layered dough into a compact log. Wrap the log snugly in plastic wrap and park it in the refrigerator for at least an hour until it firms up completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Oven

Crank up the oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your cookies.

Step 6: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Unwrap the chilled log and slice it into delicate 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange the cookie slices on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden hue.

Step 7: Cool and Indulge

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before diving into their buttery, jammy goodness.

Tips for Pretty Swirls and Buttery Crumbs

• Master Jam Distribution: Spread raspberry preserves evenly and thinly to prevent thick, overwhelming jam pockets that could disrupt the delicate shortbread texture.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the dough log for at least an hour to ensure clean, precise cookie slices and prevent spreading during baking.
• Prevent Overworking: Mix flour gently to avoid developing gluten, which can make shortbread tough instead of maintaining its signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Temperature Control: Use softened butter at room temperature for smooth creaming, but keep dough cold before baking to maintain cookie shape and achieve golden edges.
• Customize Your Swirl: Experiment with different preserves like strawberry or apricot to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the classic shortbread base.

Store Raspberry Shortbread for Freshness

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp texture and enhance the raspberry flavor.

Pairing Drinks and Fruits with Raspberry Cookies

• Brew a Lavender Earl Grey Tea to complement the raspberry's tartness and shortbread's buttery richness. The floral notes will dance beautifully with the sweet-tangy raspberry swirl.
• Select a Moscato d'Asti, a light, sparkling sweet wine with delicate peach and apricot undertones. Its gentle sweetness will harmonize perfectly with the cookie's raspberry jam and buttery texture.
• Enjoy a Vanilla Latte with these cookies. The creamy, smooth vanilla notes will enhance the shortbread's delicate flavor while providing a warm, comforting contrast to the bright raspberry swirl.
• Serve alongside fresh raspberries to intensify the fruit's natural essence and create a visually stunning dessert presentation that elevates the entire tasting experience.

Ways to Change Up Raspberry Shortbreads

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free raspberry preserves to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
• Vegan Raspberry Swirl: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based raspberry jam and swap traditional sugar for organic coconut sugar to create a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free raspberry preserves and replace regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. This variation reduces overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delicious flavor profile.
• Chocolate Raspberry Fusion: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate base. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries for extra intensity.

Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful raspberry swirl shortbread cookies blend buttery Scottish tradition with sweet fruity charm. Crumbly, melt-in-mouth pastry marries tangy raspberry ribbons, creating an irresistible treat you’ll crave with afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Flavoring and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g) raspberry preserves

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the butter and sugar until airy and velvety, incorporating vanilla extract seamlessly. Gently fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Partition the dough into two equal segments. Utilize parchment paper to roll each portion into a precise rectangular shape, maintaining a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Meticulously spread a gossamer layer of raspberry preserves across one dough rectangle. Tenderly overlay the second dough sheet, creating a delicate jam-filled sandwich.
4. Commencing from the elongated edge, execute a tight, precise roll transforming the dough into a cylindrical form. Encase the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and firm.
5. Activate the oven to 350F, preparing two baking surfaces with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
6. Extract the chilled log and slice into delicate 1/4-inch medallions. Arrange cookies with strategic spacing on prepared sheets, ensuring adequate room for potential expansion.
7. Bake until cookie edges display the faintest golden hue, approximately 10-12 minutes. Allow initial cooling directly on baking sheets before transitioning to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the beautiful swirl pattern during baking.
• Use high-quality raspberry preserves with minimal seeds for a smoother, more elegant filling that distributes evenly.
• For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the delicate texture of the shortbread.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot to create unique flavor combinations while keeping the classic shortbread technique.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg