Raspberry Swirl Cookies are a delightful combination of creamy, buttery dough, tangy-sweet raspberry jam, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish. Their elegant swirl design and light, crumbly texture make them perfect for holiday gatherings or a luxurious tea-time snack. These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, and the cream cheese dough ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Swirl Cookies
- Elegant and Festive: The raspberry swirl makes these cookies a visual showstopper, perfect for holiday cookie platters.
- Buttery and Creamy: The cream cheese dough is rich, tender, and lightly tangy, complementing the sweetness of the raspberry jam.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common baking staples to create this stunning treat.
- Customizable: Swap the raspberry jam for other flavors like apricot, strawberry, or even Nutella for a twist.
Ingredients Notes
- For the Dough:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Filling and Finishing:
- 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl and electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Sharp knife or sewing thread for slicing
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and kosher salt, mixing on low speed until a cohesive ball of dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the dough’s tenderness.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and shape it into a flattened disc for easier rolling. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling ensures the dough is easy to handle and roll.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Liberally flour your work surface and rolling pin. Place the chilled dough on the surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 10 inches by 12 inches. Dust the dough with more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Continue rolling until you achieve a rectangle about 10 inches by 30 inches for optimal swirls.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam
Spread the raspberry jam evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the shorter edges uncoated. This uncoated edge helps seal the roll. Ensure the jam layer is thin and even for a neat swirl.
Step 5: Roll the Dough into a Log
Starting from the jam-covered edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Work slowly to ensure a tight roll and avoid squeezing out the jam. Once rolled, seal the log by pressing the unjammed edge firmly against the dough. Refrigerate the log for 15 minutes to firm it up for slicing.
Step 6: Preheat and Slice
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife or a piece of sewing thread, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Thread is especially useful for clean cuts without compressing the dough.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to prevent spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also a great addition to holiday cookie boxes or dessert platters.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie log and slice and bake as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Alternate Fillings: Try other seedless jams like apricot, strawberry, or blackberry. You can also use Nutella or a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the jam before rolling the dough for added texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a more decadent cookie, drizzle the baked cookies with melted white or dark chocolate.
Helpful Notes
- Rolling the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
- Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or sewing thread for clean, uniform slices without squishing the roll.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden around the edges but not browned.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Using good-quality jam makes all the difference. It enhances the flavor and elevates even the simplest cookie recipe.”
- Mary Berry: “Chill your dough well—it’s the secret to neatly shaped cookies that hold their form while baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough log for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
A: Use plenty of flour on your work surface and rolling pin. Work quickly to avoid letting the dough warm up too much, which can make it sticky.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat varieties may result in a less tender dough.
Q: How do I keep the swirl from unraveling during baking?
A: Ensure you roll the dough tightly and seal the edge well. Chilling the log before slicing helps maintain the swirl shape.
Q: Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
A: Yes, the cookies are delicious without it. However, the powdered sugar adds a festive touch and extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Raspberry Swirl Cookies are a stunning and delectable addition to any dessert spread. Their tender cream cheese dough, sweet raspberry filling, and elegant presentation make them perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a little luxury. With their beautiful swirls and delightful flavor, these cookies are sure to impress both family and guests. Happy baking!
