These Raspberry Swirl Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and bright, tangy raspberry flavor. Made with a soft sugar cookie dough and a beautiful raspberry jam swirl, these cookies are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy weekend treat, this easy slice-and-bake recipe delivers bakery-style cookies with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slice-and-bake cookies with no complicated shaping
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Beautiful raspberry swirl for a festive look
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, and cookie trays
- Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
Recipe Background & Flavor Notes
Sugar cookies are a classic favorite thanks to their buttery flavor and tender texture. Adding a raspberry jam swirl elevates this traditional cookie by introducing a fruity tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness. Rolling the dough into logs makes these cookies not only visually impressive but also incredibly convenient—ideal for preparing ahead during busy baking seasons.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (150g) raspberry jam, strained for a smooth swirl
- Optional: sparkling sugar, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for best texture.
- Raspberry jam: Seedless or strained jam creates a clean, defined swirl.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into disks, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and fill: Roll one disk on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread a thin, even layer of raspberry jam over the dough.
- Roll into logs: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Repeat with the second disk. Wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into ¼-inch rounds and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and garnish: Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar while warm, if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overfill with jam—too much can leak during baking
- Chill the dough thoroughly for clean, even slices
- Use a very sharp knife to keep the swirl intact
- Rotate baking sheets halfway for even browning
Variations & Substitutions
- Strawberry or apricot jam: Swap raspberry for another fruit flavor
- Lemon raspberry: Add lemon zest to the dough for brightness
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- Holiday twist: Add almond extract for a festive bakery flavor
What to Serve With Raspberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
- Hot tea or coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- A holiday cookie platter
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage & Reheating Instructions- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough logs for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm briefly at room temperature or enjoy straight from the freezer
Nutrition Highlights
- Made with real butter for rich flavor
- Contains fruit-based raspberry jam
- A balanced indulgent treat perfect for special occasions
- Easily portion-controlled thanks to slice-and-bake method
Raspberry Swirl Sugar Cookies – Recipe Card
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
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Instructions:
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Learn More:
- White Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll (Yule Log Style)
- Thick & Gooey Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies (Big & Chewy!)
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry Swirl Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and beautifully swirled with tangy raspberry jam—perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you want a bakery-style cookie at home.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below 👇
