The scent of butter and almond fills the air as these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies bake. Warm, sweet, and slightly nutty, they remind me of snowy afternoons when the kitchen feels like the coziest place on earth. Each cookie has that melt-in-your-mouth texture and a bright pop of raspberry jam that turns an ordinary moment into something quietly special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how quick these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies come together.
The dough uses just a few simple ingredients but bakes into something rich and crumbly.
They look beautiful too, with a glossy swirl of raspberry jam and a drizzle of almond glaze.
They make lovely gifts, especially during the holidays.
Also, they freeze well, so you can make them in advance without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
For the Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2–3 teaspoons water
Yield: 36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
Step 1 – Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Then cream the butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step builds the base of that soft, crumbly shortbread texture. Keep mixing until everything looks pale and creamy.
Step 2 – Mix in Almond Extract and Flour
Add almond extract for that gentle nutty aroma.
Next, gradually add the flour while mixing slowly. The dough will look dry at first, but keep going. It will soon come together into a smooth, tender mass that holds its shape when pressed.
Step 3 – Shape and Fill with Raspberry Jam
Roll small dough balls, about one inch wide, and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Then, press your thumb (or use a small spoon) to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam into the middle. That ruby-red center makes every cookie look festive and inviting.
Step 4 – Bake Until Edges Are Lightly Golden
Bake for about 14 minutes or until the edges turn a soft golden color.
Don’t overbake; shortbread should stay pale and tender in the middle.
Once done, move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Step 5 – Cool and Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and water until smooth.
If you like a thicker glaze, use less water.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
Let the glaze set before storing or serving.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread
Always use seedless raspberry jam for a silky, swirl-free bite.
If your dough feels dry, mix it a little longer. The warmth of your hands helps it come together.
Also, chill the dough for 10 minutes before shaping if your kitchen is warm.
And remember, lightly golden edges mean perfect doneness—no darker.
Storage and Freezing
Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
If you’d like to freeze them, do it before adding the glaze. Then thaw and glaze right before serving.
They hold their flavor beautifully, even after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different jam flavor?
Yes, of course. You can swap raspberry jam for apricot, strawberry, or blackberry.
However, raspberry gives that sweet-tart balance that pairs so well with almond.
How long do shortbread cookies stay fresh?
They stay fresh for about a week when stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
You can also refrigerate them to extend their life a few extra days.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and freeze the unglazed cookies.
Then thaw, drizzle the glaze, and serve when ready.
This makes them perfect for busy holiday baking schedules.
Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies Recipe (Recipe Card)
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Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies | Sweet Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 29
- Yield: 36 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies with buttery almond shortbread, seedless raspberry jam, and a sweet almond glaze. Soft, crumbly, and festive.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (135 g) sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (160 g) seedless raspberry jam
For the Almond Glaze
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
2 to 3 teaspoons water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in almond extract.
4. Gradually add flour and mix until dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Make a small indentation in each ball with a thumb or small spoon.
7. Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon raspberry jam.
8. Bake 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on wire racks.
10. Whisk powdered sugar, almond extract, and water to make glaze.
11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and let set.
Notes
Use seedless raspberry jam for best texture.
If dough seems dry, keep mixing until it comes together.
Freeze cookies without glaze. Thaw, then glaze before serving.
These cookies are a holiday favorite and often requested by family.
Pipe glaze using a plastic sandwich bag with a clipped corner.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 15
More Such Recipes
You might also enjoy trying
Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies – A Perfect Companion to Raspberry Swirl Treats
or
Cherry Almond Bread – Another Fruity and Nutty Dessert Delight.
For a summery twist, check out
Strawberry Peach Buckle – A Fruity Bake That Echoes the Raspberry Flavor.
You can also try
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe – Buttery Bites That Pair Well with Raspberry Desserts.
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies bring warmth and joy to any kitchen.
Their buttery base, glossy jam centers, and sweet almond drizzle make every bite feel like a small celebration.
Bake a batch, share them with someone you love, and let your kitchen smell like Christmas.
And if you do, don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or Facebook.