Discover how to make these easy, buttery Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies with a delightful raspberry jam swirl. Perfect for any occasion and sure to impress!
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, buttery base essential for shortbread
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender texture.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Raspberry Jam (½ cup): Offers a sweet and tangy swirl; seedless jam is preferred for a smoother texture.
White Chocolate (¼ cup, melted): Optional drizzle for added sweetness and elegance.
Substitutions:
Butter: Can use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well for those avoiding gluten.
Jam: Feel free to substitute with other jams like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
White Chocolate: Dark or milk chocolate can be used for a different flavor profile.
Prep Tips:
Ensure butter is softened for easy creaming.
Use seedless jam to prevent seeds from affecting the texture.
Chill the dough to make slicing easier and to maintain cookie shape during baking.
Cooking Steps:
Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually add flour until a dough forms.
Recipes by Clare
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Spread Jam: Evenly spread raspberry jam over the dough.
Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Slice and Bake: Cut the chilled log into ¼ inch slices and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Drizzle: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Troubleshooting:
Dough Cracking: If the dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Jam Leakage: Avoid overfilling with jam to prevent it from leaking during baking.
Uneven Slices: Use a sharp knife and chill the dough thoroughly for clean slices.
Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough for added texture.
Citrus Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Replace raspberry jam with chocolate spread for a decadent treat.
Holiday Special: Use cranberry jam and sprinkle with festive colored sugars.