Raspberry Swirl Cookies - Tasteful Zone

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery cookies and the tangy sweetness of raspberries. As someone who loves spending time in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. These Raspberry Swirl Cookies are exactly that—a perfect balance of flavor and beauty. They’re soft, slightly crumbly, and have a gorgeous marbled effect that makes them look like they came straight from a bakery.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with ways to incorporate fruit into classic cookie dough. The raspberry swirl adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cookie, making it irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to create these delightful treats.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Butter: The foundation of any great cookie, butter adds richness and a tender texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe. It should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. It also helps with the texture and structure of the dough.

Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together and adding moisture. It also contributes to the cookies’ soft and chewy texture.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the raspberry swirl beautifully.

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookie dough. It provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and tender crumb.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookies.

Raspberry jam: The star of the swirl! Use a good-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor. The jam adds a tangy sweetness and creates that beautiful marbled effect.

Ingredients List

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup raspberry jam

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Add the Raspberry Swirl

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the raspberry jam evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log, then repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining jam.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to slice and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough logs from the fridge and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making this Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the dough thoroughly: This step is crucial for easy slicing and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will give you clean slices and help maintain the swirl pattern.
Experiment with other jams: While raspberry is delicious, you can try strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam for a different twist.
Store properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
While you can use frozen raspberries, they may add too much moisture to the dough. If you want to use fresh or frozen berries, cook them down with a little sugar to create a thicker consistency similar to jam.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough logs and keep them wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days before slicing and baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to dough that wasn’t chilled enough or an oven that wasn’t fully preheated. Make sure to follow the chilling and baking instructions carefully.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.

Enjoy baking these Raspberry Swirl Cookies—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!