Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are everything you’ve ever wanted in a cookie—crispy, buttery, and oh-so-flavorful with the perfect touch of fruity sweetness. Imagine biting into a cookie that melts in your mouth, with a burst of tangy-sweet raspberry swirled through that buttery shortbread base. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’ve just stumbled upon a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: The shortbread dough is perfectly buttery and crisp, giving you that irresistible texture.
• Tart and Sweet Raspberry Swirl: The swirls of raspberry add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
• Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, these cookies are quick and straightforward to prepare. Perfect for novice bakers!
• Perfectly Balanced: The rich buttery flavor of the shortbread pairs so wonderfully with the sweet and tart raspberry swirl—every bite is pure joy.
• Elegant and Beautiful: The raspberry swirl not only makes these cookies look stunning, but it also adds that little extra flair that will impress anyone who sees (and tastes) them.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these delicious Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies:

For the Shortbread Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough—provides the structure and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter: The star ingredient that makes the shortbread rich and buttery.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough, making it just the right amount of sugary without being overwhelming.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and complements the butteriness of the dough.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness of the dough and bring out all the flavors.

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• Raspberry Jam: You’ll need a high-quality raspberry jam for the swirl. It gives a burst of tangy flavor and adds that beautiful red swirl to the cookies.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can help bring out the tartness of the raspberry, but this is optional!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake these delectable cookies? Let’s dive into the process:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Shortbread Dough:

In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and mix to combine. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until the dough starts to come together. It should be soft and a little crumbly.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Once rolled, remove the top sheet of parchment paper.

4. Add the Raspberry Swirl:

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of raspberry jam onto the center of the dough and gently spread it out, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Use a knife or a toothpick to create a swirl effect by lightly dragging the jam through the dough, being careful not to overmix it.

5. Cut the Cookies:

Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into circles or any shape you like. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to brown quickly!

7. Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy every buttery, fruity bite!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Tea Time: These cookies are perfect for an afternoon tea. Pair them with a hot cup of Earl Grey or a refreshing green tea.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a cute gift box tied with a ribbon. They make a lovely gift for friends, family, or even a special Valentine’s treat!
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as part of a light dessert table or alongside other baked goods like cupcakes or a fruit tart.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Raspberry Jam: The fresher the jam, the more vibrant and flavorful your swirl will be. Try to find a jam with real fruit for the best taste.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, you can pop it into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to firm up before cutting the cookies.
• Make Them Ahead: These cookies store wonderfully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit jam?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the raspberry jam for any fruit jam you prefer, like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot. Just be mindful that the flavor of the jam will affect the overall taste of the cookies.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Yes, you can! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the same steps.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure to check your jam for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Q4: How do I store these cookies?
A4: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q5: Can I add a little lemon zest to the dough?
A5: Yes, that’s a great idea! A little lemon zest in the dough will pair wonderfully with the raspberry and add an extra layer of flavor.

Q6: Can I make these cookies with a different cookie shape?
A6: Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like, or even just cut the dough into squares or rectangles for a simpler approach.

Q7: How do I get the perfect raspberry swirl?
A7: When adding the jam, don’t spread it too thickly, and try to gently swirl it with a toothpick or knife. You don’t want to overmix it, or it might blend too much into the dough. The key is gentle swirling for a pretty effect!

Q8: Can I decorate these cookies?
A8: Yes, you can! After baking, you can drizzle the cookies with a little icing or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Q9: Can I use homemade raspberry jam?
A9: Definitely! Homemade raspberry jam will work wonderfully in this recipe, giving the cookies even more homemade goodness.

Q10: Can I add some chopped nuts to the dough?
A10: Yes, if you love a bit of crunch, you can add chopped pistachios, almonds, or even walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves buttery cookies with a pop of fruitiness. The swirl of raspberry jam makes them visually stunning, and that deliciously crisp, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time! Enjoy!

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