Okay, amigos! Let me tell you about my latest obsession: homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.
You know I’m all about that bold, unapologetic flavor, right? So, when I first sank my teeth into a homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookie perfection, let’s just say my taste buds did the salsa. The buttery, crumbly shortbread combined with that tangy, sweet raspberry ripple? ¡Ay, Dios mío! It was a revelation.
I knew right then and there, I needed to create my own version – a homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookie worthy of the Cuba Queen stamp of approval. After rounds of testing, tweaking, and taste-testing (the toughest part, obviously), I’ve finally nailed it. This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies recipe is pure magic. Each bite is a celebration.
Get ready, because this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies recipe is about to blow your mind! It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, yet delivers a flavor punch that’s totally party-worthy. And trust me, this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies represents everything I’m about – bold flavors, simple techniques, and food that makes you want to dance.
So, grab your apron, crank up the music, and let’s get baking! You’re about to experience homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies like never before.
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the heart of our shortbread. Don’t even THINK about using margarine!
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that perfect crumbly texture.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: This helps create a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of our homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.
- ½ cup raspberry jam, seedless: Hello, flavor bomb! I use seedless for a smoother swirl.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon freeze-dried raspberries, powdered: This is my secret weapon for intensifying that raspberry flavor and making the swirl POP. You can find these at most grocery stores or online. If you can’t find freeze dried raspberries, try using this recipe for homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.
The secret to an epic homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies is using high-quality butter. Splurge on the good stuff! You’ll find the best ingredients for this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies at your local farmer’s market or a well-stocked grocery store.
For a flavor-boosting modification, try adding a pinch of lemon zest to the dough! For a budget-friendly alternative, use a store-brand raspberry jam, but be sure to taste it first and adjust the sugar in the dough if needed.
Store your butter in the fridge until just before using, then let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies in no time.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should look like whipped frosting. Don’t skimp on this step – it’s crucial for that perfect shortbread texture.
- Add the salt and vanilla: Mix in the salt and vanilla extract until combined. We are creating a solid foundation for this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.
- Gradually add the flour: Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough cookies.
- Divide the dough: Divide the dough in half. Place one half in a separate bowl.
- Create the raspberry swirl: In the bowl with one half of the dough, add the raspberry jam and powdered freeze-dried raspberries. Mix until the raspberry swirl dough is evenly colored. This is where your homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies transforms into pure magic!
- Shape the cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough half into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Place the raspberry dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle. Gently roll them together into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to slice. You can even chill it overnight!
- Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch thick cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Pro tip for homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies perfection: watch them closely! Shortbread can burn easily.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While your homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
In my kitchen, this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies takes exactly 11 minutes to bake to golden perfection. Don’t stress – your homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies is going to be incredible! Here’s where most people mess up their homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies – but not you!
PRESENTATION:
These homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are beautiful on their own, but a little presentation can take them to the next level.
Serve these homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies at afternoon tea!
For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and arrange them on a pretty plate.
These homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are absolutely slays at dinner parties! For perfect occasions for this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies, bring them to a potluck, bake sale, or holiday gathering.
For creative leftover transformations, crumble the cookies over yogurt or use them as a topping for ice cream.
For seasonal homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies variations I’ve tested, try using different types of jam, such as strawberry or blueberry.
This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies reminds me of another flavor explosion, my raspberry swirl brioche loaf. This is very delicious!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies cooking challenges and my tried-and-true solutions.
- Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit the ¼ teaspoon of salt in the recipe. This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are so easy to make!
- What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberries? You can skip them, but the raspberry flavor won’t be as intense. Consider adding a few drops of raspberry extract to the dough. Be sure to check out these Raspberry Swirl Cookies – That Oven Feelin for more helpful tips.
- How do I know when my cookies are perfectly done? The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should be set. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry. The best way to learn is by my homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies testing experiences and breakthroughs!
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before slicing and baking.
- Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe? Yes! White chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Try adding this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies customization options for different tastes!
- What if my dough is too crumbly? Add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until the dough comes together. You’re not alone in this homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies cooking challenges.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Community feedback about my homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies recipe has been good.
- What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper? You can lightly grease the baking sheet, but parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking. My homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies testing experiences is that parchment paper is the way to go.
- How should I store the cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. My homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies success is due to this.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup. However, keep in mind that sugar contributes to the texture and browning of the cookies.
CONCLUSION:
This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies recipe is more than just a recipe – it’s a flavor adventure. It embodies everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple techniques, and food that makes you want to celebrate.
My homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies Power Tips:
- Use high-quality butter: It makes all the difference.
- Don’t overmix the dough: This will result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough completely: This makes it easier to slice and bake.
- Lemon Raspberry: Add lemon zest to the dough and a touch of lemon juice to the raspberry jam.
- Chocolate Raspberry: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough and swirl with raspberry jam. This homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies version gets the biggest reactions!
- Almond Raspberry: Add almond extract to the dough and top with sliced almonds before baking.

I’m confident that you can make these homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies your signature dish! So, go ahead, give it a try, and share your results! Don’t forget to tag me in your photos – I can’t wait to see your creations.
Let’s create some homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies memories together! And if this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my oatmeal raisin cookies.
Now, get baking, flavor adventurers! These amazing homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies will blow your mind. For more bold flavor adventures, check out my raspberry white chocolate cake roll.
\n \n Print
homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies
These buttery and delicate homemade raspberry swirl shortbread cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. The sweet-tart raspberry jam complements the crumbly shortbread beautifully, creating a delightful flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam, seedless
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, stir together the raspberry jam and lemon juice.
- Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain.
- Knead the raspberry mixture into the other half of the dough until evenly distributed.
- Roll out each dough separately to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place the plain dough on top of the raspberry dough and gently roll them together to adhere slightly.
- Roll up the combined dough into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar.

