Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies (Print Version)

Buttery shortbread with tangy raspberry swirl centers, crisp edges and soft melting texture

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling & Topping

06 - 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to combine.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
06 - Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Using the back of a teaspoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
08 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation, taking care not to overfill.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
10 - Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Once fully cooled, dust with granulated sugar if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between crumbly shortbread and jammy sweetness feels like a hug in cookie form.
  • You only need a handful of pantry staples and one bowl to pull this together on a whim.
02 -
  • Cold dough is your best friend here, if it softens while you work, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  • Don't skip the resting time on the baking sheet or the cookies will crumble when you try to move them.
03 -
  • Freeze the shaped log for 15 minutes instead of refrigerating if you're in a hurry, it slices like butter.
  • Brush the tops with a beaten egg white before baking for a bakery-style sheen that catches the light.
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