There’s something so magical about a buttery shortbread cookie. It’s simple, comforting, and effortlessly classy. But when you add a swirl of sweet-tart raspberry jam and a drizzle of silky white chocolate? Pure cookie perfection! These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are a delightful mix of elegance and simplicity, making them perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to an afternoon tea party or just a cozy treat on a quiet day.
I love these cookies for their visual appeal—they look like they belong in a fancy bakery box. But here’s the secret: they’re surprisingly easy to make. The rich, buttery shortbread base comes together in minutes, and the raspberry jam swirl adds both flavor and beauty. Plus, the final drizzle of white chocolate takes them over the top, giving them that professional, polished look. If you’re looking for a treat that’s both impressive and foolproof, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
Here’s why you’ll want to bake these cookies again and again:
- Buttery Goodness: The shortbread base is everything you could ask for—soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- A Gorgeous Presentation: The raspberry swirl makes these cookies visually stunning, while the white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of sophistication.
- Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, these cookies are incredibly simple. No special equipment or tricky techniques required!
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the raspberry jam for your favorite fruit jam or even Nutella for a chocolaty twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday platter, a gift box, or a sweet snack with your coffee, these cookies are always a hit.
If you’re new to baking or just want an easy yet elegant recipe to add to your repertoire, these cookies are a fantastic choice.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
To make these irresistible cookies, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened). The foundation of a good shortbread—use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. The structure of the cookies, keeping them tender yet sturdy.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon. A touch of vanilla enhances the buttery flavor of the dough.
- Raspberry Jam: ½ cup. Provides that vibrant swirl of flavor and color. Opt for seedless if you prefer a smoother texture.
- White Chocolate: ¼ cup (melted). Perfect for drizzling on top to add a sweet, decorative finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your batch of Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your countertop or a large cutting board with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your rolling pin and work surface.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Swirl
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures the jam won’t spill out when you roll the dough.
Step 5: Roll and Chill
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, keeping the roll as tight as possible. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is important because it helps firm up the butter, making it easier to slice and bake without losing shape.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Arrange the slices on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and tender.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. While they cool, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies in a decorative pattern. Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Snack: Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.
- On a Dessert Platter: Pair them with other cookies and small desserts for a festive spread.
- For Gifting: Place them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Additional Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents the jam from leaking out.
- Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is the star of shortbread, opt for unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Choose the Right Jam: For a smoother swirl, use seedless raspberry jam. You can also strain regular jam to remove seeds if preferred.
- Keep the Roll Tight: When rolling the dough, take your time to ensure a snug roll. This helps create clean, even swirls in the finished cookies.
- Decorate with Care: If you want a professional look, use a small piping bag for the white chocolate drizzle.
Recipe Variations
These cookies are delicious as-is, but here are a few ways to customize them to your taste:
- Switch the Jam: Try strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for a different flavor profile.
- Add Citrus Zest: Mix a little orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Go Nutty: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or pistachios over the jam before rolling the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, swap the white chocolate drizzle for melted dark or milk chocolate.
Storing and Freezing
These cookies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option.
- Storing: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
You can use a clean wine bottle or any cylindrical object to roll out the dough.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough log can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance or frozen for up to 1 month.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking?
Make sure to leave a small border around the edges when spreading the jam, and chill the dough thoroughly before slicing.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
Use a microwave in 20-second increments or a double boiler for gentle, even melting.
Conclusion
There you have it—Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies that are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. The buttery shortbread, fruity jam swirl, and luscious white chocolate drizzle make these cookies truly unforgettable.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some joy! And don’t forget to share your creations—tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see your beautiful cookies!
Print
Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Elegant and Delicious
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats swirled with sweet-tart raspberry jam and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- ¼ cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and gradually mix in flour until dough forms.
- Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness, spread jam, and roll into a log. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice log into ¼ inch rounds and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely, then drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use seedless raspberry jam.
- Ensure the dough is tightly rolled to achieve perfect swirls.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American