Raspberry Swirl Cookies with Buttery Shortbread Base

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These Raspberry Swirl Cookies with a Buttery Shortbread Base are the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. With a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie swirled with tart-sweet raspberry jam, they make a stunning addition to holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, or any special occasion.
The buttery shortbread creates the perfect canvas for the fruity swirl, giving you a cookie that’s both visually beautiful and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful swirl – each cookie looks bakery-worthy.
- Melt-in-your-mouth – buttery shortbread texture.
- Easy yet impressive – no fancy equipment required.
- Perfect for gifting – pack them in tins for a thoughtful treat.
What Are Raspberry Swirl Cookies with Buttery Shortbread Base?
They’re delicate shortbread cookies made with a simple dough, rolled and swirled with raspberry jam, then sliced into gorgeous spirals. These cookies are buttery, fruity, and as good to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients (Exact)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam (seedless works best)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Cookies with Buttery Shortbread Base
- Prepare dough – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, then slowly mix in dry ingredients.
- Chill – Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll & spread – Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread an even layer of raspberry jam over the surface.
- Roll into log – Carefully roll dough into a log, wrap, and chill for another 1–2 hours (firmer dough slices better).
- Slice & bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice log into ¼-inch rounds, place on baking sheet, and bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & dust – Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations
- Jam options – try strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for variety.
- Glaze finish – drizzle with white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Holiday touch – roll edges in festive sprinkles before baking.
- Freezer-friendly – freeze the dough log and slice when ready to bake.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Do I need to strain the jam?
Seedless raspberry jam works best, but you can use regular jam if you don’t mind the texture.
How do I keep the swirls neat?
Chilling the dough log well before slicing ensures clean, even cookies.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Swirl Cookies with a Buttery Shortbread Base are buttery, fruity, and simply stunning. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to loved ones, or treating yourself, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of flavor and beauty. They’re guaranteed to impress with every bite!

