Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies

Welcome to a delightful holiday baking adventure with these heavenly Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies! As an SEO expert and food blogger, I’m excited to share this recipe that seamlessly blends a buttery cream cheese dough with the fruity sweetness of raspberry jam. The result? Elegant pinwheels that are not only visually stunning but also a treat for your taste buds.

Creating these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies is like crafting edible art in your kitchen. The way the cream cheese dough swirls with the vibrant jam to form perfect spirals is simply mesmerizing, and a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of festive charm. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of holiday treats, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your seasonal traditions.

From rolling out the dough to creating those beautiful pinwheels, every step of this recipe is a labor of love. And the best part? You can customize these cookies with your favorite seedless jam flavor, making each batch uniquely yours. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a joyful baking journey with these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies that are bound to spread holiday cheer one delicious bite at a time.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Swirls: The raspberry jam creates beautiful spirals in the buttery cream cheese dough, making these cookies visually stunning.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking, making holiday baking more manageable.
• Versatile Flavors: You can customize the cookies by using different seedless jams like apricot or strawberry, adding cinnamon for warmth, or experimenting with gluten-free flour blends.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for getting the whole family involved in holiday baking, from spreading jam to dusting with powdered sugar, creating a magical baking experience.

Why You’ll Love This Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirled pattern created by the cream cheese dough and jam makes these cookies look like little works of art, perfect for holiday cookie boxes or gifting in festive tins.
• Simple Ingredients, Elegant Result: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create cookies that look and taste like they’re from a fancy bakery, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable Flavors: You can use any seedless jam of your choice, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences or the season, whether it’s raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled until you’re ready to bake, making holiday baking more manageable and stress-free.
• Family-Friendly: Involving the whole family in the baking process, from spreading the jam to dusting with powdered sugar, can create special holiday memories and a sense of togetherness.
• Versatile Variations: The recipe offers room for experimentation with different jams, spices, or decorative finishes like melted white chocolate or edible glitter, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
• Timeless Tradition: This recipe carries the warmth and nostalgia of holiday baking traditions, making it a delightful way to share love and joy with friends and family during the festive season.

Ingredients for Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies

• Powdered sugar for dusting.
• All-purpose flour, sifted (1 1/2 cups).
• Cream cheese (8 ounces).
• Butter (1/2 cup).
• Seedless jam (1/3 cup).
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon).

Pro Tips for Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies

To ensure your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies turn out perfectly, remember to keep your cream cheese and butter softened, not melted, for the ideal texture. Chilling the dough is essential for clean, beautiful cuts that maintain the swirl pattern, so be patient during this step. If your jam is too thick, gently warm it to make spreading easier and achieve those picture-perfect spirals.

For the best results, use a thread to slice the rolled dough into cookies instead of a knife to avoid squishing the layers. Additionally, using thick, seedless jam will help maintain the integrity of the swirl design. Finally, feel free to get creative with variations like different jam flavors or extra toppings like melted white chocolate or edible glitter to make your cookies even more festive and unique.

How to Make Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Step 01

Combine the butter, cream cheese, salt, and flour until a dough forms.

Step 2: Step 02

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Step 03

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 10×30 inch rectangle.

Step 4: Step 04

Spread jam evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Roll the dough into a 10-inch log.

Step 5: Step 05

Refrigerate log for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Step 06

Slice the dough into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices using a thread, then bake at 375°F for 17-20 minutes.

Step 7: Step 07

Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Storage Tips

To store the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies, it is best to place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these cookies can be refrigerated for up to a week. Ensure they are in a sealed container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

These cookies are convenient for holiday baking as the dough can be prepared ahead of time and kept chilled until ready to bake. Simply slice and bake the pinwheels as needed. Remember to dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain their snowy appearance. Whether served as a delightful dessert or given as a thoughtful gift, these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can consider. If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use an equal amount of mascarpone cheese as a delicious alternative. Mascarpone will also provide a rich and creamy texture to the dough, similar to cream cheese.

Additionally, if you prefer a different flavor or don’t have seedless jam available, feel free to swap it out for any smooth fruit preserves or curd you have in your pantry. Lemon curd, apricot preserves, or even a homemade berry compote can be excellent substitutes for the raspberry jam, adding a unique twist to the flavor profile of the cookies.

When it comes to flour, if you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular all-purpose flour. Just ensure it’s a cup-for-cup replacement to maintain the proper texture and structure of the dough. These substitutions allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs while still creating beautiful and delicious pinwheel cookies.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies on a tiered dessert stand or decorative platter. The vibrant swirls of raspberry jam against the buttery cream cheese dough will catch everyone’s eye. Dust them generously with powdered sugar just before serving to create a snowy effect that enhances their festive appeal.

For a whimsical touch, consider using different flavored jams to create a colorful assortment of pinwheel cookies. Arrange them in a circular pattern on a round platter to mimic a wreath, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. These delightful treats will not only satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth but also add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert spread.

FAQs for Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Pinwheel Cookies

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. Add powdered sugar just before serving.

How can I ensure clean cuts when slicing the dough?

Thread creates clean cuts without squishing the rolled dough like a knife might. Start from the ends and work toward the center for best results.

What should I do if my jam is too thin to spread easily?

Use thick, seedless jam for best results. If your jam is too thin, you can microwave it to reduce and thicken it before spreading.

Why are there two chilling steps in the recipe?

The first chill makes the dough easier to roll out, while the second chill helps the rolled log hold its shape when cutting into slices.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies brings you as much joy and delight as it has brought me over the years. These cookies are not just treats; they are a tradition, a labor of love that I cherish sharing with my loved ones. From the elegant swirls to the sweet raspberry jam, every bite is a taste of the holidays.

Whether you’re baking these cookies for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon at home, remember that each step, from rolling out the dough to dusting with powdered sugar, is an opportunity to create something beautiful. Embrace the process, enjoy the moments in the kitchen, and savor the sweet rewards of your efforts. Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a reminder of the joy that baking can bring to our lives. Happy baking, and may these cookies add a touch of magic to your holiday season!