
There's a soft spot in my heart for these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies. My first time making them was during a baking spree in Scotland. Shortbread’s home! The dreamy combo of buttery dough with swirls of sweet raspberry jam and a final touch of white chocolate on top always gets requests at family parties and festive baking swaps.
Why You'll Love These Gems
Countless kitchen tries led me here. The real trick? Buttery soft shortbread matched with bright jam that cuts right through. That white chocolate on top? It always gets grins when folks spot it on the platter.
Simple Ingredients That Shine
- Vanilla Extract: Just a half teaspoon of rich vanilla straight from Madagascar, hand-delivered by my sister.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two cups, carefully spooned and leveled because it matters.
- Granulated Sugar: A half cup for just the right gentle sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: One whole cup, set out to soften before starting.
Little Extras That Make It Pop
- White Chocolate: Just a quarter cup of smooth, creamy chocolate for drizzling at the end.
- Raspberry Jam: Half a cup—I've been making mine from berries I pick every summer.
Can't-Live-Without Tools
- Wire Rack: This one’s my secret for crispy edges every time.
- Plastic Wrap: I use it to keep dough happy while it chills.
- Baking Sheet: My go-to big sturdy one never lets me down.
- Rolling Pin: The chilly marble keeps everything smooth and cool.
- Mixing Bowl: Grandma's old ceramic bowl stays in the family rotation for a reason.

Let's Jump In
- Prepping Space
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Gets the place cozy fast. I like to lay out parchment paper on my trusty baking sheet while that's happening.
Making the Dough Fun
- Pillowy Start
- Butter and sugar team up in a big bowl. Beat it till it's light and fluffy. You'll see a soft, creamy mix.
- Layering Flavor
- When flour goes in with the vanilla, get ready—the scent that fills your kitchen is next-level good.
Rolling Out and Jammin'
- Flattening Time
- Powder a bit of flour on your surface. Roll the dough out evenly until it's the thickness you like best.
- Berry Fun
- Lather that jam across the dough with an even hand. It’s the best part.
Shaping and Waiting
- Rolling Up
- Gently roll the whole thing into a log. Make sure all that jam is tucked away.
- Chill Break
- Pop it in the fridge. It’s tough not to rush this, but it’s worth it. I clear up the mess while I wait.
Baking Time
- Slicing Magic
- Slice up the chilled log with your sharpest knife. Every round shows off the swirl.
- Golden Goodness
- Let ‘em bake till they're just golden. The buttery smell is irresistible.

Finishing With Style
- Waiting Game
- Tempting as it is, let them cool down completely before moving on. So worth the patience.
- Choco Drizzle
- White chocolate goes on last. I have fun making streaks—no one swirl looks the same.
Enjoying Made Easy
These are my favorite treat with Earl Grey mid-day. During winter, I stack them on Nana’s silver tray and scatter a few fresh raspberries for that wow factor.
Stay Fresh Tricks
- Snack All Week
- Stick them in an airtight tin and they’ll be crisp for a solid week.
- Freezer Bonus
- I’ll stash a batch in the freezer—they’re a lifesaver when friends drop by unannounced.
What I've Picked Up
- Easy Does It: If you mix lightly, your cookies come out soft every time.
- Jam Evenly: Spreading the jam slow gives you the best swirl effect.
- Chill Is Key: Don’t skip fridge time, or your spiral won’t hold up.
Behind-the-Scenes Tips
- Berry Remix: Some days I swap in homemade blackberry jam for fun.
- Chocolate Swap: Drizzle on dark chocolate if you wanna go a little richer.
- Neat Slices: Run your knife under hot tap water for tidy cookie rounds.

Tasty Matchups
At my little coffee spot, these cookies are perfect with a frothy cappuccino. Evenings, I pair them with prosecco and they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Wondering About...?
- Make-Ahead Magic: I let my dough chill overnight. Prep ahead and your future self will thank you.
- Chocolate Picks: Any chocolate you love works great for the drizzle.
- Dough Too Firm? If it feels stiff, let it sit out a little to soften up, then try again.
Fixes On the Fly
- Roll Tight: A snug log keeps the jam tucked safely inside.
- Watch the Golden: Peek at the edges—they’ll crisp up quick if you’re not watching closely.
Baker's Real Talk
I always buy the best butter and jam. Those little upgrades make each bite extra special.
From My Oven to Yours
These cookies have traveled everywhere—from shower favors to family gatherings. There’s a little bit of joy in every swirl. I hope you find them as delightful as we do.
Wrap-Up
These buttery, delicate cookies show off a beautiful swirl of raspberry jam and are topped with a drizzle of white chocolate. They're an excellent pick for events or to enjoy with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prep these cookies in advance?
Sure! You can shape the dough into a roll and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just wrap it well to keep it fresh.
- → Why did the spirals spread out too much?
That often happens if the dough wasn’t chilled well enough. Let it firm up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing and baking.
- → Can I switch up the jam?
Of course! Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or whichever flavor you like. Just make sure it’s thick and not runny.
- → How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer wax paper between them to protect the chocolate drizzle.
- → Are these okay to freeze?
Yes, just don’t add the white chocolate before freezing. Store them for up to 3 months, then thaw and drizzle the chocolate before serving.