Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s as charming to look at as it is delightful to eat, you’re in for a treat with my Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. These tender, tangy, jam-packed pinwheels somehow manage to feel both fancy enough for a tea party and comforting enough for an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try these beauties, they’ll become your go-to when you want to impress without fuss.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe shines because each ingredient sings its part perfectly. The cream cheese makes the dough incredibly tender and rich, while the raspberry jam brings bursts of fruity sweetness that aren’t overwhelming. Plus, the walnuts add crunch and a slight earthiness. Here’s a quick peek at each ingredient and why I use them.

• Flour: The backbone of the dough; I use all-purpose for just the right structure, so it’s soft but still holds together when rolling.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those lovely flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and tang, making the cookies tender and subtly flavorful; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Butter: Brings richness and helps the dough roll out smoothly; softened but still cool works best.
• Raspberry Jam: The star of the filling—a good quality jam with real fruit chunks makes all the difference.
• Walnuts: Finely chopped to sprinkle on top, they add a satisfying crunch and nutty warmth.
• Sparkling Sugar: For dipping and topping, this gives a pretty sparkle and a little sweet crunch on each cookie’s edge.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is. While I adore the classic raspberry and walnut combo, you can easily swap in other jams, nuts, or even add some spices for fun. Don’t be shy to make this recipe your own!

• Variation: I once tried swapping raspberry jam with apricot and pecans instead of walnuts — a lovely twist that gave a slightly more caramel-y warmth.
• Dietary Modification: For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with toasted coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips.
• Seasonal Changes: Fresh berries mashed with sugar can replace jam for a fresher, less sweet filling in season.
• Difficulty: If you’re new to rolling dough, chill it a bit longer — firm dough is much easier to handle and less sticky.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by pulsing the flour and salt together in a food processor. This helps spread the salt evenly and aerates the flour, making for a tender crumb later. I find doing this first saves time and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Add Butter and Cream Cheese

Next, toss in the cold butter and cream cheese cubes. Pulse until the mixture first looks crumbly, then keep pulsing until it magically comes together into a smooth ball. It’s amazing how the dough transitions — that’s when you know you’re ready to move to chilling.

Step 3: Chill Your Dough

This step is crucial! Wrap your dough ball in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours. I sometimes prep this the night before, which makes rolling it out a breeze because the dough is firm and less sticky.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Fillings

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a neat rectangle about 14 by 12 inches. I like to trim the edges slightly to get straight lines—that way, when you roll it, the pinwheels look perfect. Spread your raspberry jam evenly, then sprinkle the walnuts over the jam, pressing lightly to help them stick.

Step 5: Roll, Slice & Sugar Dip

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Use a sharp knife to slice into ½-inch thick cookies. Dip one side of each cookie slice into sparkling sugar before arranging them on your baking sheet—this adds a delightful crunch and shimmer once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies sugar side up at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, watching closely for a light golden brown. Don’t overbake or they’ll lose that tender cream cheese texture that makes them special. Cool on a rack before diving in.

How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love just a light dusting of powdered sugar on these cookies before serving—it adds a snowy finish that feels elegant without overwhelming their flavored goodness. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a few fresh raspberries on the side or a sprig of mint for color.

Side Dishes

Since these cookies are a sweet treat, I like to pair them with a simple cup of tea or coffee. For brunch, they go beautifully with a light fruit salad or a mild cheese platter to balance the raspberry and cream cheese flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert stand so their spiral pattern really pops. Another fun idea I’ve tried is packaging them in little cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for edible gifts. They’re perfect for sharing love with friends and neighbors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, usually stacked between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay tender and just as delicious for about 3 days, but I rarely have that many leftover!

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the dough log and baked cookies successfully. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw fully before slicing and baking. Baked cookies freeze well in a sealed container—just thaw overnight at room temp.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, I gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—it revives the tender texture and warms the jam filling just enough to make them feel like freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it hits that sweet spot between elegant and easy. I love pulling these out when friends pop by or when I want a simple treat that feels homemade and special. When you make them, I think you’ll appreciate how straightforward the process is and how delicious the result tastes — just like a big hug in cookie form. Give it a go, and I’m betting these pinwheels will become one of your favorites too.

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