Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful and elegant twist on traditional filled cookies, combining a tender, buttery cream cheese dough with vibrant, fruity jam in a charming pinwheel shape. These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right balance of sweetness and tang, thanks to the richness of cream cheese and the brightness of your favorite preserves. Whether filled with raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or blueberry jam, each cookie offers a beautiful swirl of flavor and color in every bite.

Perfect for holiday cookie trays, tea parties, brunch spreads, or gifting in treat boxes, these cookies are as visually stunning as they are satisfying. Their unique spiral design makes them a standout on any dessert table, while their rich flavor and soft crumb ensure they’re a crowd favorite. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and versatile enough for a variety of flavor pairings, Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a must-try for bakers who want to impress with something that’s both classic and creative.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, buttery dough with a rich cream cheese flavor and soft texture
• Gorgeous spiral design that’s perfect for celebrations and gifting
• Easy to customize with your favorite jam flavors or nut spreads
• Simple ingredients with impressive, bakery-style presentation
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly for stress-free baking

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
• Serving Size: 2 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup jam or fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, blueberry, etc.)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken runny jam)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a fresh citrus note

For Topping (Optional)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for shine)
• Finely chopped nuts or sparkling sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
• Add sugar and continue beating until light and creamy.
• Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the Jam Filling

• If your jam is runny, stir in a little cornstarch and heat briefly in a saucepan until thickened.
• Let jam cool completely before using to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
• Stir in lemon zest if desired for added brightness.

3. Roll and Fill the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick (about 10×8 inches).
• Spread a thin, even layer of jam over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
• Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log.
• Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for another 30–60 minutes to firm up for cleaner slicing.
• Repeat with the second portion of dough.

4. Slice and Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Slice chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
• Optional: Brush edges lightly with egg wash or sprinkle with chopped nuts or sparkling sugar.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Decorate and Serve

• Once cooled, dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
• Arrange on a platter or package in gift boxes for sharing.

Ingredient Background

Cream Cheese

• Adds tangy richness and soft texture to the cookie dough.
• Enhances the depth of flavor and provides a tender crumb.

Fruit Preserves or Jam

• The star filling that brings color and fruity sweetness.
• Choose high-quality, thick jam for best results and flavor contrast.

Butter

• Provides structure and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the jam.
• Softened butter helps cream smoothly with sugar and cream cheese.

Flour

• All-purpose flour balances softness and structure.
• Avoid overmixing to maintain tender cookie texture.

Technique Tips

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Cold dough slices cleaner and holds shape better during baking.
• Use a Serrated Knife: Helps cut clean cookie slices without smearing the filling.
• Avoid Overfilling: A thin layer of jam prevents leakage and ensures even spirals.
• Roll Tightly: Keep the dough firm but not over-compressed to maintain a neat swirl.
• Rotate Trays: If baking multiple trays, rotate halfway for even browning.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Two-Tone Dough: Tint half the dough with food coloring for a dual-color swirl.
• Mini Pinwheels: Roll smaller logs and slice thinner for dainty tea-time cookies.
• Thumbprint Variation: Skip rolling, shape dough into balls and press a thumbprint to fill with jam.
• Jam Bars: Roll dough flat, layer with jam, and slice into squares instead of spirals.
• Holiday-Themed: Use red and green jams or colored sugar for festive versions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use parchment paper when rolling for easy transfer.
• Clean the knife between slices for neater pinwheels.
• Don’t overbake—edges should be lightly golden but centers still soft.
• Store with parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
• For gifting, place each cookie in a mini paper liner for a polished look.

Recipe Variations

• Nutella Pinwheel Cookies: Replace jam with chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Almond Raspberry: Add almond extract to dough and use raspberry jam.
• Citrus Marmalade Swirls: Use orange or lemon marmalade with zest in dough.
• Chocolate-Cherry: Fill with cherry preserves and add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Spiced Jam Cookies: Mix cinnamon or cardamom into dough for a warming twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain texture.

Freezer

• Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 2 months—thaw slightly before slicing.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in layers with parchment paper in airtight containers.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for a fiber boost.
• Reduce sugar in the dough by 1/4 cup if your jam is very sweet.
• Choose low-sugar or no-sugar-added fruit preserves.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt cream cheese.
• Add chia jam as a natural, healthier filling alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Cookie Tray: Pair with shortbread, ginger cookies, and snowballs.
• Tea Party Table: Serve alongside lemon bars, mini scones, and floral teas.
• Brunch Dessert: Add to pastry platters with fruit tarts and danishes.
• Wedding or Baby Shower Favors: Package in small bags with ribbon tags.
• Gift Boxes: Combine with other cookies in decorative tins or baskets.

Special Equipment

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls and spatula
• Rolling pin and parchment paper
• Sharp or serrated knife
• Baking sheets and cooling racks
• Plastic wrap for dough chilling

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of homemade?

Yes, but cream cheese dough provides better flavor and texture.

2. What kind of jam works best?

Thick, high-quality jam or preserves like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.

3. Why did my cookies spread too much?

Dough may not have been chilled enough—refrigerate before slicing and baking.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your jam is gluten-free.

5. Can I make them dairy-free?

Try dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese, but texture may differ slightly.

6. Can I skip the cream cheese?

You can substitute with more butter, but you’ll lose the tang and soft texture.

7. Can I freeze dough before baking?

Absolutely—freeze wrapped logs and slice fresh when ready to bake.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—this recipe scales well. Chill dough in batches for easier handling.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a beautiful, delicious blend of buttery richness, creamy tang, and fruity sweetness—all wrapped in a spiral of nostalgic charm. With their elegant design and soft crumb, these cookies are a timeless treat that’s perfect for holidays, tea parties, or any special occasion. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, they offer both versatility and visual appeal in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for loved ones, adding to a dessert platter, or creating edible gifts, these cookies bring a touch of homemade warmth and style to any celebration. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection—beautiful, flavorful, and always crowd-pleasing.

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