Walnut Strawberry Swirl Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet strawberry jam and crunchy walnuts with these Walnut Strawberry Swirl Cookies. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your afternoon tea, these cookies are as lovely in appearance as they are in taste. The creamy, buttery dough rolls up with a vibrant strawberry filling and nutty crunch, creating a beautiful pinwheel design. Once baked to a golden perfection, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures with every bite. Ideal for cookie trays, holiday baking, or just a sweet treat, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Sugar
1 cup
Egg
1
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon
Strawberry Jam
1/2 cup
Chopped Walnuts
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
4
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle about 14 x 10 inches in size.
5
Carefully spread the strawberry jam over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the jam.
6
Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
7
Wrap the rolled dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
8
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
9
Place the cookie slices on greased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Walnut Strawberry Swirl Cookies?
Walnut Strawberry Swirl Cookies are a pinwheel-style dessert featuring a buttery dough, sweet strawberry jam, and crunchy walnuts.
What ingredients are required for the cookie dough?
The dough requires softened butter, sugar, one egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
What is used for the filling?
The filling consists of 1/2 cup of strawberry jam and 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
How do I prepare the dough for rolling?
Cream the butter and sugar, mix in the egg and vanilla, then gradually stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
What size should I roll the dough out to?
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 14 by 10 inches.
How long should the dough roll be chilled?
The rolled dough should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours or overnight to ensure it is firm enough to slice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the cookies.
How thick should the cookie slices be?
Slice the chilled dough roll into rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges.
Should I grease the baking sheets?
Yes, place the cookie slices on greased baking sheets to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam can be used as alternatives to strawberry jam.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans or almonds are excellent nutty substitutes, or you can omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking out of the roll?
Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the dough rectangle when spreading the jam.
How should I cool the cookies after baking?
Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks before serving.
Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes, the dough roll can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before slicing and baking.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, both the unbaked dough roll and the baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
Depending on the exact thickness of the slices, this recipe typically yields about 30 to 40 cookies.
What is the best way to store the finished cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Do I need to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and sugar, but it can be done by hand if necessary.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit any additional salt if the recipe calls for it.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
This can happen if the dough was not chilled long enough or if the oven was not fully preheated.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, but the cookies will be denser.
What if I don't have baking powder?
Baking powder helps the cookies rise; without it, they will be much flatter and tougher.
How do I get the perfect swirl?
Roll the dough as tightly as possible, starting from one of the long sides, while keeping the filling even.
Is it okay to use strawberry preserves?
Yes, preserves work well, though they may have larger fruit pieces than smooth jam.
Can I add spices to the dough?
A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the flour mixture can add a nice aromatic depth.
How do I know the butter is softened enough?
The butter should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not so soft that it is melting or oily.
Should I use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
What is the serving size for these cookies?
A standard serving is typically two cookies, though this depends on your nutritional needs.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gift boxes?
Yes, their unique pinwheel appearance and sturdy texture make them perfect for gifting and shipping.