Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery shortbread and tantalizing raspberry jam with our Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies. These beautiful and delectable treats are a must-try for any baking enthusiast or lover of all things sweet. With their gorgeous presentation and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to impress and delight your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the baked cookies.
2. Make the Shortbread Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Press the Dough: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base layer.
5. Add the Raspberry Swirl: Warm the raspberry jam slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to spread. Spread the jam evenly over the pressed dough layer.
6. Create the Top Layer: Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer, leaving some gaps for the raspberry to show through. This creates the beautiful swirl effect.
7. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges are set.
8. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the cookies into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
To ensure your Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
– Use Room-Temperature Butter: This will make the mixing process easier and result in the best texture for your shortbread dough.
– Chill Before Cutting: For the cleanest cuts, chill the baked shortbread for 30 minutes before slicing. A bench scraper or sharp knife works best for clean lines.
– Choose High-Quality Jam: Opt for a seedless raspberry jam to create smoother swirls and a more polished appearance.
– Experiment with Flavors: While raspberry is a classic, you can also try substituting the jam with strawberry, apricot, or blackberry for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg