A Buttery, Berry-Kissed Treat That Melts in Your Mouth

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s elegant, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet-tart, these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are destined to become your new favorite. With a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base and a beautiful swirl of raspberry jam, they’re as stunning as they are scrumptious. Whether you’re planning an afternoon tea, looking for the perfect cookie to gift, or simply want to elevate your dessert game, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are tailor-made for anyone who adores the combination of buttery richness and fruity brightness. The shortbread itself is tender and delicate, made with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The raspberry swirl adds a vibrant visual twist and a burst of flavor that balances out the cookie’s richness beautifully.

Perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistent, bakery-quality results. Plus, the dough can be made ahead and frozen, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for holidays or special events.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shortbread Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Swirl:

⅓ cup raspberry jam (seedless, if preferred)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Sharp knife or serrated knife
Baking sheet
Wire cooling rack
Plastic wrap

Optional:

Sifter for dusting powdered sugar
Offset spatula (for spreading jam evenly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Incorporate the vanilla extract, then gradually add in the flour and salt. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough — it should be pliable but not sticky.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is warm and the dough starts to feel overly soft, pop it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before rolling.

2. Add the Raspberry Swirl

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Remove the top layer of parchment and spread the raspberry jam evenly across the surface using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Starting from one long end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, just like a jelly roll. Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Shortcut: In a pinch? Pop the wrapped dough into the freezer for 25–30 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

3. Slice and Bake

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

Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.

4. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy variations you can try:

Jam Flavors: Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or blackberry preserves. Just make sure it’s a thick jam to avoid runny results.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh twist.
Nutty Add-Ins: Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or almonds over the jam before rolling for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies.

How to Store Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These cookies store beautifully and make excellent gifts.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to 10 days for extended freshness.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough log and slice it before baking as needed.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough log in advance, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.

Food and Drink Pairings

These cookies are lovely on their own but also pair wonderfully with:

Tea: Earl Grey, chamomile, or a fruity hibiscus blend
Coffee: A creamy latte or vanilla cappuccino
Dessert Wines: Try a chilled Moscato or Riesling
Cheese Boards: Serve alongside soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a unique dessert presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries have too much moisture for this recipe. Stick with a thick jam or preserve for the best swirl and consistency.

My dough is cracking when I roll it — what should I do?

If the dough cracks while rolling, it may be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before trying again.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking. You can also pop the sliced cookies back into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This dough doubles well. Just make two logs to keep the shape manageable.

How do I get clean, even slices?

Use a very sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to make clean cuts without squishing the dough.

A Cookie Worth Sharing

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are more than just a pretty dessert — they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, perfectly suited for holidays, parties, or cozy afternoons at home. Their elegant look and delightful taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.

If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more irresistible, easy-to-follow recipes that bring a little extra joy to your kitchen.

Happy baking! 🍪❤️