Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a tender, buttery cookie dough with a sweet and tangy jam filling. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their intricate swirls but also packed with flavor and texture. The cream cheese in the dough adds a subtle tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the jam, creating a cookie that’s as elegant as it is delicious.

Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or simply as an indulgent snack, these cookies are versatile and easy to customize. You can use your favorite fruit jams, experiment with different fillings like Nutella or cream cheese frosting, or even create a variety of flavors in one batch. Their impressive appearance makes them a popular choice for gifting or sharing with guests at special occasions.

Despite their sophisticated look, these cookies are beginner-friendly. With a few simple techniques and a bit of patience, you can achieve bakery-quality results right at home. Let’s dive into the recipe to create these irresistible Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Beautiful Presentation
   The pinwheel design makes these cookies look intricate and professional, perfect for impressing guests.
2. Soft and Buttery Texture
   The cream cheese in the dough creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
3. Customizable Fillings
   You can use any jam, preserves, or spreads you love, allowing you to create a variety of flavors in one batch.
4. Holiday-Worthy
   These cookies are ideal for festive occasions and can be customized with seasonal colors and flavors.
5. Easy to Prepare
   Despite their fancy appearance, these cookies are simple to make with straightforward ingredients and steps.
6. Perfect for Gifting
   Their gorgeous design and delightful taste make them a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the jam)

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. If your jam is very runny, mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until slightly thickened. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Trim the edges to create clean lines.
2. Spread a thin, even layer of jam over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

1. Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use the edge of the parchment paper or your hands to guide the roll.
2. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to firm up. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, if desired.
2. Serve and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Two-Toned Pinwheels
Spread one layer of jam and a second layer of a contrasting spread, like Nutella or cream cheese frosting, to create a two-toned swirl.

Holiday-Themed Cookies
Use seasonal jams like cranberry or fig during the holidays. Add festive decorations like edible glitter or colored sugar.

Mini Pinwheels
Roll the dough into smaller logs and slice thinner pieces to create bite-sized cookies, perfect for parties or events.

Chocolate Drizzle
After baking, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for a sophisticated touch.

Savory Pinwheels
For a savory twist, use cream cheese and a layer of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or olive tapenade as the filling.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Chill the Dough
   Chilling the dough is essential to make it easier to roll and slice, preventing it from becoming sticky or losing its shape.
2. Work Quickly
   The dough softens quickly at room temperature, so roll it out and fill it as efficiently as possible.
3. Use Thick Jam
   If your jam is too runny, it can seep out during baking. Thicken it with cornstarch or use a high-quality, thick jam.
4. Clean Knife for Slicing
   Use a sharp knife and clean it between slices to maintain the pinwheel’s neat edges.
5. Don’t Overfill
   Using too much jam can cause the filling to leak out during baking. A thin, even layer works best.

Recipe Variations

Nutty Pinwheels
Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios, over the jam layer before rolling the dough into a log. The nuts not only add a delightful crunch but also bring a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam. For even more depth of flavor, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the cookies. You can also press the chopped nuts into the surface of the rolled log for a decorative edge on your cookies.

Lemon Pinwheels
For a bright and zesty twist, swap the jam for a layer of lemon curd. The tangy citrus flavor of the lemon curd contrasts wonderfully with the buttery, slightly tangy dough. This variation is particularly refreshing and works well for spring and summer events. For extra flair, sprinkle a little lemon zest on top of the curd before rolling the dough. You can also mix in a teaspoon of poppy seeds to give the cookies a unique texture and appearance.

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Instead of using jam, create a warm, spiced filling by combining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough and roll it up tightly. This variation is reminiscent of cinnamon rolls and offers a cozy, comforting flavor. For added decadence, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the baked cookies.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pinwheels
Transform your pinwheels into a rich and indulgent treat by spreading Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread as the filling. The creamy chocolate pairs beautifully with the tender cream cheese dough. To elevate the flavor even further, sprinkle a small handful of chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella layer before rolling the dough. These cookies are a hit with chocolate lovers and make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter.

Spiced Cookies
Infuse the cookie dough with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even ginger to give the cookies a subtle, spiced flavor that complements the jam filling. For a festive touch, pair these spices with a cranberry or fig jam. You can also add a touch of ground cloves or allspice for a holiday-inspired variation. These spiced cookies are perfect for fall and winter gatherings and pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or mulled cider.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration

To keep your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but refrigerating them extends their shelf life to 1 week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. For best results, bring the cookies to room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.

Freezing

Unbaked Dough
Wrap the prepared dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect them from freezer burn. Label them with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. The unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the logs to the refrigerator to thaw until they are firm enough to slice. Freezing the dough in advance allows you to quickly bake fresh cookies for unexpected guests or last-minute occasions.

Baked Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. To prevent them from sticking together, place parchment paper between each layer of cookies. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. This method is ideal for making the cookies ahead of time for holidays or events.

Reheating Tips

To bring back the freshly baked texture of frozen cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will restore their crisp edges and soft centers without overbaking. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cookies soggy. If you’re short on time, you can let the cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Whole Wheat Flour
Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and boost the fiber content of the cookies. Whole wheat flour can make the dough slightly denser, so be sure to mix it thoroughly to maintain a smooth texture. This variation is an easy way to add a touch of healthiness to these indulgent treats.

Reduce Sugar
Opt for a low-sugar or no-sugar-added jam to cut down on the overall sugar content of the cookies. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the dough by 1-2 tablespoons without compromising the flavor. For an even more natural option, use honey or maple syrup in the dough, adjusting the flour slightly to balance the moisture.

Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version of these cookies, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese. Look for high-quality, neutral-flavored dairy-free substitutes to maintain the richness and tanginess of the dough. Using coconut oil may also add a slight tropical flavor, which pairs beautifully with fruity jams.

Gluten-Free Option
Make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the dough holds together properly. You may need to chill the dough slightly longer to make it easier to roll and slice.

Fruit Puree Filling
Instead of using store-bought jam, make your own fruit puree by blending fresh or frozen fruit with a touch of honey or agave syrup. Cook the puree down to a thick consistency before spreading it over the dough. This homemade option not only reduces added sugar but also allows you to experiment with unique flavors like mango, peach, or blackberry.

By incorporating these variations and storage techniques, you can make your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies fit any dietary preference or occasion while preserving their delicious flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful combination of elegance and comfort. Their buttery, tender texture paired with the tangy sweetness of jam makes them perfect for any occasion, from tea parties to holiday celebrations. Their impressive presentation, combined with customizable flavors, ensures they’ll be a favorite among both kids and adults.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special event, these cookies are a versatile and rewarding treat. Try them today, and experience the joy of creating—and eating—something truly special. Happy baking!