There’s something magical about these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies. Their tender, flaky layers paired with a swirl of fruity jam and a dusting of powdered sugar make them the perfect treat for any occasion. The cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the jam adds just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. They’re simple enough to make on a cozy afternoon but elegant enough to impress your holiday guests.
I remember making these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies with my grandmother every holiday season. She had this knack for spreading the jam just right and rolling the dough into perfect swirls. The kitchen would fill with the sweet scent of butter and fruit as the cookies baked, and I couldn’t wait to dust them with powdered sugar. She always reminded me to handle the dough gently, saying, “The softer your touch, the flakier the cookies.” Now, every time I make these, it feels like she’s right there beside me, guiding me through the process.
Why Our Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies Are the Best
Our Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re tiny works of art. The cream cheese dough creates a buttery, flaky base, while the jam swirl adds vibrant color and fruity flavor. Perfect for festive gatherings or quiet afternoons, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients Notes for Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
Each ingredient in these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies plays an essential role in creating their perfect texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds tangy richness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a flaky, buttery texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted: Provides structure. Sift for a smoother dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
- 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam (or your favorite jam): The sweet-tart filling that brings these cookies to life.
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling: A finishing touch for a festive, snowy look.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Swap raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for a fun twist.
- Use salted butter but skip the added salt.
- For gluten-free cookies, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
Before you start, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sewing thread or dental floss
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
These cookies are an absolute joy to make! The process is straightforward, and the results are worth every step.
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the kosher salt and sifted flour, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but workable.
2. Shape and Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough is firm enough to roll without sticking.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Flour your countertop generously to prevent sticking. Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle measuring about 10” x 12”. Then, lift the dough gently, re-flour the surface, and roll it further into a larger 10” x 30” rectangle.
4. Add the Jam and Roll
Spread an even layer of jam over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one of the shorter edges. This helps seal the roll. Starting from the opposite short edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Chill the rolled dough in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.
5. Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use sewing thread or dental floss to cleanly slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange the slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
6. Cool and Decorate
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful, festive finish.
How to Store Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
Storing these cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies Variations
There are so many ways to make these cookies your own!
- Jam Flavor Swap: Use strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for different fruity flavors.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or almonds over the jam before rolling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Citrus Zest: Mix lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
Pair these cookies with:
- Coffee or Tea: Their buttery richness balances perfectly with a warm cup.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, enjoy with a steaming mug of cocoa topped with whipped cream.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn them into an elegant dessert by serving alongside a scoop of ice cream.
For a special touch, arrange the cookies on a tiered tray with fresh berries and mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Top Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Flour Generously: Keep your work surface and rolling pin floured to avoid sticking.
- Use Floss to Slice: Dental floss creates clean cuts without squashing the roll.
- Work Quickly: Handle the dough swiftly to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much jam can make the cookies messy and harder to roll.
Helpful Notes
- Troubleshooting Sticky Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it again for 10-15 minutes.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for evenly golden cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Dorie Greenspan: Recommends chilling the dough thoroughly for perfect pinwheel shapes.
- Chef Ina Garten: Adds a touch of lemon zest to brighten the dough’s flavor.
- Chef Claire Saffitz: Advises working quickly to keep the dough cool and manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use other jams? Yes! Any seedless jam will work—experiment with your favorites.
- Do I have to chill the dough? Yes, chilling is crucial for achieving the right texture and shape.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Can these be made gluten-free? Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
- How can I reduce sweetness? Use less jam or opt for a lower-sugar variety.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes
Looking for more holiday treats? Check out these recipes:
Final Thoughts:
These Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful mix of buttery, flaky dough and sweet-tart jam. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or enjoying them with a quiet cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy. Try them today and savor the magic of every swirl!
Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
- – 8 oz cream cheese softened
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- – 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- – 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam or your favorite jam
- – Powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the salt and sifted flour, mixing until combined and a dough begins to form.
- Shape and Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, then press down to form a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Generously flour your countertop. Place the chilled dough on the floured surface and sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a 10” x 12” rectangle. Lift the dough, add more flour to the surface as needed, then roll it out further to reach a 10” x 30” rectangle.
- Add the Jam and Roll: Spread an even layer of jam over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch bare along one of the shorter edges. Roll the dough up tightly into a 10” log. Chill for another 15 minutes.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using sewing thread or dental floss, slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Place each slice flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a festive, snowy finish.
Notes
- Rolling Technique: To prevent sticking, keep your work surface and rolling pin well-floured.
- Jam Variety: Use any seedless jam such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
- Clean Slicing: Using sewing thread or dental floss to slice the rolled dough creates clean edges without squishing the log.
- Storage Tips: Store at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze the dough for up to 1 month.