15-Minute Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Easy Holiday Recipe

this …

These elegant Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies combine buttery shortbread with vibrant raspberry preserves for a simple yet impressive holiday treat that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gifts, or afternoon tea!

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies wafting through your home during the holiday season. These delightful treats combine the buttery goodness of traditional shortbread with vibrant swirls of raspberry jam, creating a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to gift to friends and family. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors makes these cookies an irresistible addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Shortbread cookies have been beloved for centuries, originating in Scotland where they were traditionally made with simple ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. Our modern twist on this classic incorporates the bright, fruity notes of raspberry preserves for a cookie that brilliantly balances richness with refreshing tartness. The marbled effect created by the raspberry swirl not only elevates the flavor profile but also transforms these cookies into stunning works of edible art that will impress at any gathering.

What makes these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies particularly special is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for formal holiday gatherings yet simple enough for everyday indulgence. The recipe can be easily doubled for larger batches when you’re baking for cookie exchanges or holiday gifts. This easy holiday recipe will guide you through creating these stunning cookies that are guaranteed to become a new favorite tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

• Ready in under an hour – Perfect for last-minute holiday baking needs!
• Requires just 8 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
• Creates the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and fruity raspberry flavor
• Make-ahead friendly – the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days
• Freezer-friendly – both the dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully
• Versatile recipe – easily customize with different jam flavors
• Visually stunning cookies that look professional with minimal effort
• Kid-friendly baking project that’s fun for the whole family
• No special equipment needed – just basic baking tools

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies have quickly become a reader favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The contrast between the rich, buttery shortbread and the bright, tangy raspberry preserves creates a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone. Even those who typically shy away from overly sweet desserts appreciate the balanced flavor of these cookies.

What truly sets these shortbread cookies apart is their impressive appearance despite the minimal effort required. The marbled raspberry effect gives these cookies a professional bakery look that will have your friends and family convinced you’ve been taking secret pastry classes! Yet the technique is so simple that even beginners can achieve perfect results on their first try.

Another reason to love this recipe is its incredible adaptability. Whether you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with different flavors, these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies can be easily modified to suit your needs. The recipe works beautifully with alternative flours and can accommodate various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances flavor)

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/3 cup (100g) high-quality raspberry preserves or jam
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed works best)

Optional Finishing Touches:

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped freeze-dried raspberries (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes:

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation of any good shortbread cookie is the flour. For this recipe, all-purpose flour provides the perfect texture – not too dense and not too light. When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method (spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife) rather than scooping directly from the container, which can pack too much flour into your cup and result in dry cookies.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for best results, as this helps mimic the structure that gluten provides.

Butter

The butter quality matters significantly in shortbread – use the best quality unsalted butter you can find for the most authentic shortbread flavor. European-style butter with higher fat content (at least 82%) will yield the richest, most flavorful cookies. Allow your butter to soften naturally at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking – it should yield slightly to pressure but still maintain its shape.

Powdered Sugar

Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar gives shortbread cookies their characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture. The fine texture dissolves more readily in the dough, preventing the graininess that can sometimes occur with granulated sugar.

Extracts

While vanilla extract is essential for depth of flavor, the addition of almond extract creates a subtle complexity that complements the raspberry perfectly. If you prefer, you can substitute the almond extract with lemon extract for a more citrus-forward cookie.

Raspberry Preserves

The star ingredient in our Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies deserves special attention. Seedless raspberry preserves create smoother swirls, but seeded jam works well too if you don’t mind the texture. Look for preserves with at least 50% fruit content for the best flavor and color. The addition of lemon juice helps thin the preserves slightly, making them easier to swirl while also brightening the flavor.

For variations, try substituting the raspberry jam with strawberry, blackberry, or apricot preserves. Each will create a unique flavor profile while maintaining the beautiful marbled effect that makes these cookies so special.

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – Step by Step

Preparing the Shortbread Dough

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add the powdered sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. The mixture should be pale and creamy.

Step 4: Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Creating the Raspberry Swirl Effect

Step 6: In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the raspberry preserves for about 20 seconds until slightly warm. Stir in the lemon juice to thin the consistency.

Step 7: Divide the shortbread dough in half. Press half of the dough into an even layer in a lined 8×8-inch baking pan.

Step 8: Using a spoon, dollop the raspberry mixture over the dough layer, leaving some space between each dollop.

Step 9: Break the remaining dough into small pieces and scatter them over the raspberry layer, covering most of the surface but allowing some raspberry to peek through.

Step 10: With a butter knife or small spatula, gently swirl the layers together using a figure-eight motion. Don’t overmix – you want distinct swirls of raspberry throughout the shortbread.

Baking and Cutting

Step 11: Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes to firm up the dough. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 12: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

Step 13: Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or diamonds using a sharp knife.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Mastering the Dough

• Cold butter is key for achieving that perfect shortbread texture. If your kitchen is warm, return the dough to the refrigerator if it becomes too soft to work with.
• Don’t overwork the dough – mix just until the ingredients come together to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough rather than tender shortbread.
• Chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This step is crucial for preventing spread and maintaining those perfect clean edges that quality shortbread cookies are known for.
• Room temperature ingredients (except for the final chilled dough) blend more easily. Set your butter out about 30-45 minutes before starting, but ensure it’s still cool to the touch – not overly soft or greasy.
• Sift your dry ingredients to remove any lumps in the flour or powdered sugar, resulting in a smoother dough and more uniform texture in the finished cookies.

Perfecting the Raspberry Swirl

• For cleaner swirls, slightly warm your raspberry preserves before swirling. This makes them easier to incorporate without tearing the dough.
• Use a light touch when swirling – less is more! Too much manipulation can cause the layers to blend completely, losing the distinct marbled effect.
• Creating depth in your swirls can be achieved by placing some of the raspberry preserves in the middle layer of dough as well as on top.
• For holiday-themed cookies, add a few drops of red food coloring to the raspberry mixture for more vibrant swirls that really stand out against the pale shortbread.
• If you find your raspberry preserves are too thick to swirl easily, warm them slightly and add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to thin the consistency.

Baking and Presentation Techniques

• Line your baking pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal after baking. This is especially important for bar cookies like these.
• Maintain a consistent oven temperature by using an oven thermometer. Many ovens run hot or cold, which can affect baking times and results.
• Score the shortbread while still warm (but not hot) for cleaner cuts. Then allow to cool completely before fully cutting into pieces to prevent crumbling.
• For a professional finish, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a beautiful contrast to the raspberry swirls and gives them that bakery-quality appearance.
• If you prefer thinner cookies, use a 9×9-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan and reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
• For special occasions, consider drizzling the cooled cookies with white chocolate for an elegant finishing touch that complements the raspberry flavors beautifully.
• Precision in cutting is worth the effort for presentation. Use a ruler to mark even portions, then cut with a sharp knife that’s been run under hot water and dried between cuts for the cleanest edges.

Best Ways to Serve Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are exceptionally versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

For Holiday Entertaining

• Arrange on a beautiful tiered platter for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, positioning them as the centerpiece of your dessert table
• Create a cookie gift box by packaging them with other holiday cookies like chocolate crinkles or gingerbread—the vibrant red raspberry swirls add a festive pop of color
• Include on a dessert charcuterie board with fresh berries, chocolate, and other sweet treats for an impressive holiday spread
• Serve as part of a holiday tea service with fine china and seasonal decorations

For Everyday Enjoyment

• Pair with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for an afternoon treat
• Enjoy as a light dessert after a hearty winter meal
• Pack in lunch boxes or serve as an after-school snack—kids love the raspberry swirl pattern!
• Keep in a cookie jar on the counter for whenever the craving strikes

For Special Occasions

• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert—the buttery shortbread and tart raspberry complement the creamy ice cream perfectly
• For an extra special touch, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of vanilla buttercream or additional raspberry preserves
• Stack in a clear glass container tied with ribbon as a thoughtful hostess gift
• Create a dessert trifle by layering crumbled cookies with whipped cream and fresh raspberries

Perfect Beverage Pairings

The subtle sweetness of these cookies pairs wonderfully with various beverages:

• Hot beverages: Earl Grey or chamomile tea, making them perfect for tea time during the holiday season
• Coffee pairings: A medium roast coffee highlights the butter notes in the shortbread while balancing the sweetness
• Cold beverages: A glass of cold milk or almond milk brings out the richness of the cookies
• Adult options: A dessert wine like Sauternes or a ruby port complements the raspberry flavors beautifully for an elegant after-dinner treat

The versatility of these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies makes them appropriate for everything from casual family gatherings to sophisticated holiday parties. Their elegant appearance belies how simple they are to make, saving you time while still impressing your guests.

Nutritional Information for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Per cookie (based on 16 squares):

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 9g

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are a sweet treat to be enjoyed in moderation. They contain less sugar than many traditional cookies, making them a slightly lighter option for holiday desserts.

Storage & Leftovers

These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for advance holiday baking:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. The cool temperature helps preserve the raspberry flavor.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• Dough Storage: The unbaked shortbread dough (without jam) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

To refresh stored cookies: Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their buttery texture and enhance the raspberry aroma.

FAQs for Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Can I freeze Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. The texture remains excellent after freezing, making them perfect for advance holiday baking. For best results, freeze the cookies after they’re fully cooled but before adding any powdered sugar dusting or decorative elements.

What can I use instead of raspberry jam in Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies?

You can substitute the raspberry jam with any fruit preserves you prefer. Strawberry, blackberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade work beautifully in this recipe. For a different flavor profile, try chocolate hazelnut spread or dulce de leche for a caramel swirl effect. Just be aware that darker colored preserves like blackberry will create a more dramatic color contrast in your swirls.

Why did my shortbread turn out too crumbly?

Overly crumbly shortbread typically results from too much flour or overmixing the dough. Measure flour by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping, and mix the dough just until ingredients are combined. Also, ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted for the perfect shortbread texture. Another common cause is overbaking – shortbread cookies should be just barely golden at the edges when removed from the oven.

Can I make these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies with salted butter?

While unsalted butter is preferred for shortbread cookies to control the salt content, you can use salted butter in a pinch. If using salted butter, simply omit the additional salt called for in the recipe. The cookies will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious. Some bakers actually prefer the depth of flavor that comes from salted butter in shortbread.

How do I know when my Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are properly baked?

The perfect Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies will be set in the center with just the slightest golden color appearing at the edges. Unlike many cookies, shortbread should not brown significantly. The center may look slightly soft but will firm up as the cookies cool. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake these delicate treats.

Can I make Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it, or bake the cookies up to 5 days before your event and store them in an airtight container. For the freshest flavor, add any powdered sugar dusting just before serving. Their flavor actually improves after a day as the raspberry flavor melds with the buttery shortbread.

How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?

To make your Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies extra festive, try these holiday variations: add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough for a wintery flavor, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes before baking, or drizzle with white chocolate and add holiday-colored sprinkles after cooling. You can also cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters while they’re still warm from the oven.

Related Recipes

If you love these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies, try these other delicious treats:

• Classic Lemon Shortbread – A zesty twist on traditional shortbread
• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Fingers – Elegant cookies perfect for gifting
• Cranberry Orange Holiday Cookies – Another festive flavor combination
• Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Homemade Jam – A classic holiday favorite
• Scottish Millionaire’s Shortbread – Indulgent layered dessert bars

A Brief History of Shortbread

Before we conclude, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage behind these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies. Traditional shortbread has been a beloved treat in Scotland since the 12th century, originally made with leftover bread dough that was dried and hardened into “biscuit bread.” Eventually, the yeast in the recipe was replaced with butter, creating the rich, crumbly texture we associate with shortbread today.

By the 16th century, shortbread had become a luxury reserved for special occasions like Christmas, Hogmanay (Scottish New Year), and weddings. The name “shortbread” comes from the high butter content that creates a “short” or crumbly texture in the finished product. Traditional Scottish shortbread was often decorated with intricate designs and patterns, much like our modern raspberry swirl variation adds visual appeal.

Our Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies represent a delightful evolution of this classic treat, maintaining the buttery richness of traditional shortbread while incorporating the bright, contemporary flavor of raspberry. This blend of tradition and innovation makes these cookies particularly special during the holiday season when we often celebrate by honoring old customs while creating new ones.

Conclusion

Mastering these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies gives you a versatile, impressive holiday treat that’s bound to become a tradition in your home. The beautiful raspberry swirls nested in buttery shortbread create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to delight family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results.

The beauty of these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies lies not just in their stunning appearance or delicious taste, but in their ability to bring people together. There’s something magical about sharing homemade cookies during the holiday season – they become vessels for creating memories that last far longer than the cookies themselves. Whether you’re passing down family recipes or starting new traditions, baking is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, gifting them to neighbors, or enjoying them with your afternoon tea, these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. The combination of buttery shortbread and tart raspberry preserves creates a cookie that appeals to sophisticated palates while still satisfying the simple pleasure of a sweet treat.

We encourage you to make this recipe your own – experiment with different flavors of preserves, add your own decorative touches, or pair them with your favorite beverages. Baking is both an art and a science, and your personal creativity is what makes homemade treats so special. We’d love to hear how your cookies turned out – share your baking success in the comments below!

Happy holiday baking!

Print