Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful treat that beautifully combines rich creaminess with vibrant fruity sweetness, look no further than these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies. These charming little cookies boast a tender, buttery dough swirled with luscious jam and velvety cream cheese, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are as eye-catching as they are delicious, offering a whimsical twist on classic jam-filled cookies that will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for gatherings or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of creating perfect Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies. These simple essentials come together to deliver that signature soft dough and flavorful jam swirl with every bite.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without overpowering saltiness.
• Cream cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess that balances the sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge when baked.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, it provides structure but also keeps the cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cream cheese and jam flavors.
• Thick jam or fruit preserves: Offers the vibrant fruity center that makes these pinwheel cookies shine; thicker jams work best for neat swirls.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness once the cookies have cooled.

How to Make Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cheese

Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial since it creates the light, tender crumb these cookies are known for. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Step 2: Incorporate Sugar and Vanilla

Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the buttery cream cheese mixture. Mixing these in until fully combined creates a sweet, fragrant base that carries through every bite of the cookie.

Step 3: Add Flour to Form Dough

Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing just enough for a cohesive dough to form. Overmixing here can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, so be gentle and pause as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating for one hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and helps maintain the pinwheel shape during baking.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add Jam

Roll one disk out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Spread a thin, even layer of your chosen jam over the rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent jam from oozing out during baking.

Step 6: Form the Pinwheel Log

Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log starting from one long edge. Wrap the log in plastic wrap again and chill it for an additional 30 minutes to firm up, which helps with easier slicing later.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a soft golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch that adds both sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Garnishes

These pinwheel cookies look beautiful as is, but you can elevate their presentation by adding a fresh mint leaf or a small dollop of whipped cream on the side. A slight drizzle of melted chocolate also adds an indulgent flourish that complements the fruity jam perfectly.

Side Dishes

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a charming accompaniment alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a spiral pattern on a pretty serving platter to echo the pinwheel shape. For parties, consider stacking them in a tiered cookie stand or bundling a few with a ribbon for delightful edible gifts. Their colorful swirls also work beautifully garnished with edible flowers for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them nicely soft while preserving the fresh flavors of cream cheese and jam.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the sliced logs can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For the best texture, gently reheat cookies in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to revive that soft, fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies overly soft or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use any type of jam for these cookies?

Absolutely! While thicker jams or fruit preserves work best to prevent leaking, feel free to use your favorite flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to customize the cookies to your taste.

Is it necessary to chill the dough twice?

Yes, chilling the dough both before rolling and after shaping the log is key to achieving neat pinwheels and preventing the jam from oozing during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the dough’s structure.

How long do the cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to double or even triple to make larger batches for parties or gifts. Just keep in mind that you may need more time or batches to bake them all.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies—the perfect marriage of creamy, fruity, and buttery all wrapped up in a charming swirl. They’re simple to make but impressive enough for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, share them with your loved ones, and enjoy the joy they bring with every delightful bite.

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