Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie Swirls

There’s something undeniably charming about a cookie that combines the buttery goodness of a sugar cookie with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the fruity brightness of raspberry preserves. That’s exactly what you get with Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie Swirls—a beautiful swirl cookie that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and is surprisingly easy to make.

I first made these cookies for a spring baby shower, and they instantly became the star of the dessert table. The soft cookie dough rolls up with a rich cream cheese layer and a spread of raspberry preserves, creating a spiral that’s both pretty and packed with flavor. The presentation always earns compliments, and the taste makes people ask for seconds. They’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself to something a little special.

Whether you're serving them with afternoon tea or including them in a festive cookie box, these cookies offer both flavor and elegance. You can even personalize them with different preserves, color-themed sugars, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie Swirls

• Visually Stunning: The swirl pattern is eye-catching and festive.
• Delightfully Soft: The cookie base is tender and buttery, with just the right amount of chew.
• Creamy, Fruity Filling: Tangy cream cheese and raspberry preserves create a luscious center.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be made and chilled in advance.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies hold up well and make lovely gifts for holidays or special occasions.
• Customizable: Swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or blackberry preserves, or add a touch of lemon zest to the dough.
• Kid-Approved: Their fun shape and sweet taste make them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup raspberry preserves (preferably seedless)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
2. Chill the Dough
   Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling helps the dough become more workable and enhances flavor.
3. Make the Filling
   In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. Roll Out the Dough
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a 10x8 inch rectangle. If the dough cracks or sticks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.
5. Add the Cream Cheese Layer
   Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
6. Spread Raspberry Preserves
   Gently spread half of the raspberry preserves over the cream cheese layer. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid tearing the dough.
7. Roll the Dough
   Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, like a jelly roll. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Chill the Logs
   Chill the logs for 1-2 hours, or until firm enough to slice. For best results, chill overnight.
9. Slice and Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice each log into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake the Cookies
    Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

These cookies are beautiful on a dessert platter or cookie tray. Serve at room temperature with tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Presentation Tips:

• Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Drizzle with white chocolate or glaze for extra flair.
• Add colored sugar before baking for seasonal variations.

Storage:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Logs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to bake time.

Helpful Notes

• Use Seedless Preserves: Helps create a smooth swirl and better texture.
• Work Quickly: Once rolled, don’t let the dough sit at room temp too long or it may become sticky.
• Even Thickness: Keep dough evenly thick when rolling to ensure even baking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try cinnamon cream cheese filling with apple butter for a fall twist.
• Label and Date Logs: When freezing, label your dough logs with flavor and date for easy baking later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade jam?
   Yes, just ensure it's not overly runny or it may seep out during rolling.
2. Do I really need to chill twice?
   Yes! First chilling helps with rolling and second ensures perfect slices and minimal spreading during baking.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Keep it chilled for up to 2 days or freeze for later use.
4. Are these good for mailing or gifting?
   Yes, they ship well and look beautiful packaged in cookie boxes or tins.
5. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
   You can use mascarpone for a similar texture, but avoid low-fat cream cheese for best results.
6. How do I get clean slices?
   Use a sharp, serrated knife and clean it between cuts to keep the swirls neat.

Final Thoughts

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie Swirls are a delightful, bakery-worthy treat that combines classic cookie flavors with the elegance of cheesecake and the tart brightness of raspberries. Their gorgeous presentation and rich flavor make them ideal for holidays, special gatherings, or even just because.

Whether you're baking for a cookie swap or adding a special touch to your family table, these swirl cookies are sure to impress. Bake a batch, savor every bite, and enjoy sharing a swirl of happiness with the ones you love.