Cookies have a magical way of bringing people together, and these Buttery Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies are no exception. With their delicate swirl of fruity raspberry jam nestled in a rich, buttery shortbread base, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. I still remember the first time I baked them. My neighbor, drawn by the irresistible aroma, popped in for a chat and ended up staying for tea and cookies. That day turned into an unexpected bonding moment, and these cookies have been a staple in my kitchen ever since.
Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies
Visually Stunning: The elegant swirl of raspberry jam makes these cookies stand out on any dessert table.
Rich and Buttery: The shortbread dough melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the fruity filling.
Customizable: Swap out the raspberry jam for your favorite preserves, like apricot or strawberry, to suit your taste.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Preparation Time and Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need for Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
For the Filling and Topping
- Raspberry Jam: ½ cup
- White Chocolate: ¼ cup, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can toughen the dough.
Roll and Fill the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage.
Form the Log
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the jam stays evenly distributed inside.
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling makes slicing easier and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
Slice and Bake
- Once the dough has chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
- Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the White Chocolate Drizzle
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies in a zigzag pattern using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative touch.
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies
Handling the Dough: If the dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it more pliable.
Choosing the Jam: Raspberry jam pairs beautifully with the buttery dough, but you can experiment with other flavors like blackberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a unique twist.
Freezing the Dough: For convenience, the dough log can be frozen for up to a month. Simply thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
Achieving a Perfect Swirl: Roll the dough evenly and tightly to create distinct, uniform swirls in the baked cookies.
Recipe Variations
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios over the jam before rolling the dough for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Use melted dark or milk chocolate for the drizzle instead of white chocolate for a richer taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Serving Suggestions of Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies
These cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Pair them with:
- A cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- A glass of sparkling wine for a sophisticated dessert pairing at a holiday party.
- Ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Making Ahead: Prepare the dough log in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to slice and bake.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 1g
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these Buttery Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies are a surefire hit. Their festive appearance makes them ideal for Christmas, but their timeless flavor ensures they’ll be enjoyed year-round.
Conclusion: Share the Joy of Baking
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a way to create memories and share love through baking. The process of rolling, slicing, and drizzling is as enjoyable as the final result, making them a wonderful project for family and friends.
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do! Feel free to add your own creative twists, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. Here’s to making every moment a little sweeter with these delightful pinwheel cookies. Happy baking!
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Buttery Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies: A Whimsical Treat for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies combine the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the fruity sweetness of raspberry jam. Their elegant swirl design makes them a standout addition to any dessert table, while the buttery flavor keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are both stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
- Raspberry Jam: ½ cup
- White Chocolate: ¼ cup, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and flour, mixing to form a soft dough.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Spread raspberry jam evenly over the surface.
- Form the Log: Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice and Bake: Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry or apricot preserves for a different flavor.
- For crispier cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner before filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American