Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

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Delicate, buttery, and visually stunning, these Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a charming treat perfect for holidays, tea parties, or whenever you crave something sweet and homemade. With their soft, flaky layers and vibrant jam spirals, these cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re guaranteed to be the center of attention on any dessert table.

The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly tender dough, which wraps around your favorite fruit jam for a sweet, tangy contrast in every bite. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or serve them warm out of the oven, these pinwheel cookies melt in your mouth and satisfy every craving.

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

These cookies are incredibly easy to make yet look impressively intricate. The dough requires no yeast or complicated techniques, just a chill and roll. You can use any flavor of jam you love—raspberry, apricot, or strawberry—making it a versatile recipe you can tweak for any season. They freeze beautifully too, so you can make them ahead for gatherings or keep a stash ready for unexpected guests.

What Kind of Jam Works Best for Pinwheel Cookies?

You want a jam that’s thick enough to stay in place during baking, but still spreadable so you don’t tear the delicate dough. Raspberry jam is a popular choice because of its bold flavor and stunning color, but apricot or fig jam offer an elegant twist. Just avoid anything too runny, or it will leak out while baking. A spoonful of lemon zest added to the jam can brighten the whole cookie!

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Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Cream Cheese: This gives the dough a tangy richness and super soft texture that makes these cookies stand out.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a flaky and tender crumb while balancing the cream cheese with a creamy base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the dough so it holds its shape when baked.
• Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering the jam.
• Fruit Jam (your choice): Adds color, sweetness, and flavor. Go for a thick, high-quality jam like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Optional, but adds a pretty, snowy finish.

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How To Make the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and sugar, then mix until fully combined. Gradually add the flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread a thin, even layer of your chosen jam across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 3: Roll Into a Log

Starting from the longer edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log, being careful not to press too hard to avoid squeezing out the jam. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Their beautiful spiral shape makes them perfect for gifting or serving on a holiday dessert tray. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, enough to feed 6–8 people depending on serving size.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week or freeze the baked cookies (or unbaked rolled logs) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm slightly before serving to bring back their soft texture.

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What to Serve With Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies?

Hot Tea or Herbal Infusions

Pair with a floral chamomile or a strong black tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Coffee or Espresso

The creamy dough and sweet jam contrast wonderfully with the bitter notes of coffee.

Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

A dollop on the side adds extra indulgence.

Lemon Curd

Bright and zesty, it complements the jam and adds complexity.

Fresh Berries

A simple handful of berries enhances the fruitiness of the cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve cookies warm with a scoop of ice cream for an elegant dessert.

Sparkling Wine

If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of bubbly elevates the cookie to party-status.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What if my jam is too runny?
Simmer the jam in a saucepan for a few minutes to reduce it. Let it cool before spreading. This helps avoid leakage during baking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of making the dough?
You can, but the texture will be flakier and less creamy. The cream cheese dough is what gives these cookies their signature soft bite.

How do I prevent the cookies from losing their shape?
Chill the rolled log thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife and avoid overfilling with jam.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a fun jam flavor? Maybe a dash of citrus zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Follow more of my daily recipes and ideas on my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. They’re easy to customize, simple to prepare, and sure to impress your family and guests. Keep a batch in your freezer, and you’ll always have something beautiful and tasty ready to serve.

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