If you’re looking for a delicious, buttery, and fruity cookie, Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat! These delicate shortbread cookies are swirled with a vibrant raspberry jam, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, crumbly texture of the shortbread. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delightful afternoon snack, these cookies will become a new favorite.

What makes these cookies so special is their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the burst of raspberry flavor in each bite. The buttery shortbread is a perfect backdrop for the sweet, slightly tart raspberry jam, and the swirl pattern adds a touch of elegance and beauty. They’re simple to make yet visually stunning and absolutely delicious!

I first made these Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies when I wanted something light and fruity for a spring gathering. The combination of shortbread and raspberry jam was a big hit, and the swirl design made them feel extra special. They’ve since become one of my go-to cookie recipes, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why These Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite

• Buttery and tender: The shortbread dough is rich, buttery, and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Tangy raspberry swirl: The raspberry jam adds a fruity, tangy twist that balances the richness of the shortbread beautifully.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy baking days.
• Visually stunning: The swirl pattern of raspberry jam on top gives these cookies a beautiful, elegant appearance that makes them perfect for gifting or sharing at parties.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a tea party, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies are a great choice for any occasion.

What You Need For Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or preserves)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)

How to Make Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the shortbread dough:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
3. Roll out the dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
4. Cut the cookies:
   Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the cookie circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Add the raspberry swirl:
   In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. Drop a small spoonful of raspberry jam onto the center of each cookie. Use the tip of a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the jam into the dough, creating a beautiful swirl pattern.
6. Bake the cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as shortbread cookies should remain light and tender.
7. Cool and enjoy:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or as a delightful snack!

Tips For Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Chill the dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling it out, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Use quality jam: The raspberry jam is the star of the swirl, so use a high-quality jam or preserves for the best flavor and texture.
• Make them ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Substitutions and Variations

• Other fruit jams: While raspberry is the classic choice, you can use other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different flavor.
• Add zest: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough to complement the fruity jam.
• Make them vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter or margarine and use a flax egg or water as a binding agent to make these cookies vegan.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce sugar: You can reduce the powdered sugar in the dough by half to make the cookies slightly lighter. You can also use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
• Use whole wheat flour: Swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber and make the cookies a bit healthier.

Closing For Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

And there you have it! Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread and tangy raspberry jam. They’re simple to make, beautifully festive, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gifting a batch to a friend, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy, flavorful cookie recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, you can substitute the raspberry jam with other fruit jams such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot.

How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use homemade jam?
Absolutely! Homemade raspberry jam will work just as well as store-bought. Just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl into the dough.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
To avoid the jam leaking, make sure you don’t use too much jam on each cookie, and avoid spreading it too close to the edges of the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add more fruit flavors to the dough?
Yes, you can add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough to complement the fruity swirl.

Can I use store-bought shortbread dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought shortbread dough if you’re short on time, but homemade dough gives these cookies the best flavor and texture.

Can I drizzle extra jam on top?
Yes! For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little extra raspberry jam on top of the cookies after baking.

How do I get the perfect swirl?
To get a neat swirl, use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the jam into the dough. Don’t overmix—just a few swirls will give you the perfect look!

Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Cookies Recipe, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or preserves)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)

Directions

• Preheat the oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Make the shortbread dough:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
• Roll out the dough:
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
• Cut the cookies:
• Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the cookie circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Add the raspberry swirl:
• In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. Drop a small spoonful of raspberry jam onto the center of each cookie. Use the tip of a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the jam into the dough, creating a beautiful swirl pattern.
• Bake the cookies:
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as shortbread cookies should remain light and tender.
• Cool and enjoy:
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Easy Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or as a delightful snack!