Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies recipe

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a tea party, looking for a sweet treat for your family, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. With a rich, buttery dough, a hint of vanilla, and your favorite fruit jam, these pinwheel cookies are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll explore how to make these delicious cookies step by step, provide nutritional information, and share tips and FAQs to ensure your baking success.

Ingredients

Creating these scrumptious Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies requires only a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich, creamy texture and a slight tanginess to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened: The butter contributes to the cookies’ richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the dough and gives it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the cookies.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and stability.
• 1/2 cup fruit jam (of your choice): The star of the show, giving each cookie its unique flavor; options include raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or apricot.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies to perfection:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which aids in creating a light texture.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix; you want just enough mixing to bring the dough together.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This prevents sticking and allows for easier handling.
4. Spread the Jam:
   • Carefully remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Evenly spread your chosen fruit jam over the dough, ensuring a thin layer that covers the entire surface. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the jam from leaking out when rolled.
5. Roll and Chill:
   • Starting from one end, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is essential for firming up the dough, making it easier to slice.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake.
7. Slice and Bake:
   • Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or a dough cutter. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie to allow for expansion.
8. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period helps them set and enhances the texture, making them easier to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional value of your cookies can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here are the approximate nutritional facts per cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies):

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

These cookies provide a balanced indulgence with a moderate amount of calories and fats, making them a delightful treat without going overboard.

How to Serve

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a delightful addition to a variety of occasions. Here are several creative ways to serve these delightful treats that will elevate your hosting game and impress your guests:

1. Tea Time Delight

Pairing with Beverages: The creamy, rich texture of the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies makes them an ideal companion for a soothing cup of tea or coffee. Choose a robust black tea, such as Earl Grey or Assam, which can stand up to the cookies’ sweetness, or opt for a light herbal tea like chamomile for a more calming experience. If coffee is your beverage of choice, consider a medium roast that complements the buttery flavor of the cookies without overpowering them.

Presentation Tips: For a charming tea time setting, serve the cookies on a tiered cake stand, which adds height and elegance. Accompany them with delicate china cups and saucers, and perhaps some fresh fruits or a small selection of finger sandwiches to create a well-rounded afternoon tea experience.

2. Party Pleaser

Visual Appeal: When hosting a party or gathering, presentation is key. Arrange the Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies on a decorative platter, either in a circular formation or in small stacks, to create an inviting display. Consider using a vibrant tablecloth or a decorative cake stand to enhance the visual appeal.

Thematic Touches: If your event has a specific theme (such as a holiday party or a birthday celebration), coordinate the cookies with themed decorations. For example, during the festive season, you could sprinkle some edible glitter on the cookies or add festive garnishes like holly leaves or mini ornaments to the platter.

3. Gift Idea

Thoughtful Packaging: Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies make for thoughtful homemade gifts. To package them, consider using a decorative tin or a clear cellophane bag tied with a colorful ribbon. You can also layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper for an elegant touch.

Personalization: Adding a handwritten note or a personalized tag can transform your gift into a cherished keepsake. Mention the inspiration behind the cookies or share a favorite memory associated with them, making the gift even more special. This approach is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a gesture of appreciation.

4. Dessert Spread

Variety is Key: When serving Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies as part of a dessert spread, consider complementing them with a selection of other baked goods. Include an assortment of brownies, classic chocolate chip cookies, and mini pastries to cater to a wide range of tastes. This variety not only enhances the overall appeal but also invites guests to sample different flavors and textures.

Themed Dessert Tables: For special occasions, you might want to create a themed dessert table. For instance, a “Retro Dessert Bar” could feature classic treats from the past, while a “Seasonal Spread” could highlight seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint. Use decorative signage to label each item, helping guests navigate the delicious options available.

5. Seasonal Celebrations

Integrating with Festivities: Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies can be tailored for various seasonal celebrations. During the winter holidays, consider using red and green jams or adding festive sprinkles. In the spring, light fruit jams like apricot or raspberry can capture the season’s freshness.

Themed Events: For themed events, like a baby shower or bridal shower, you can customize the cookie flavors and colors to match the event’s color scheme. Creating a signature cookie flavor that resonates with the theme will delight guests and create memorable experiences.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a versatile addition to any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, hosting a lively party, gifting a loved one, or curating a dessert spread, these cookies can be tailored to fit the occasion perfectly. With a little creativity and attention to presentation, you can enhance the enjoyment of these delightful treats, making them a highlight of any event.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips that enhance both the preparation process and the final results:

Softening Ingredients

One of the critical steps in achieving a smooth and cohesive dough is ensuring that both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. This means allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. Softened ingredients blend more easily, creating a uniform dough without lumps. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the softening process, or briefly microwave the cream cheese (in 10-second intervals) until it reaches a softened state. Just be cautious not to melt it, as a melted texture can alter the dough’s structure and make it too runny.

Jam Selection

Choosing the right jam is crucial for the success of your pinwheel cookies. Opt for a jam with a thick consistency to prevent it from oozing out during baking. This can be especially important as the cookies spread in the oven. Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, and apricot jams, which not only offer delightful flavors but also maintain a good texture when baked. If you want to experiment, consider using fruit preserves or even curds, like lemon or lime, for a tangy twist. For a more personalized flavor profile, making your own jam allows you to control the sweetness and texture, ensuring it complements the cream cheese perfectly.

Chilling Time

Never underestimate the importance of chilling the dough. This step is essential in firming up the mixture, making it easier to slice evenly and helping maintain the pinwheel shape during baking. After preparing your dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If possible, chilling it for an hour or longer can yield even better results. This not only helps the dough to hold its shape but also enhances the flavors as they meld together during the resting period. If you’re planning ahead, you can chill the dough overnight and bake it the next day for even more convenience.

Rolling Technique

Rolling the dough correctly is vital for creating attractive and uniform pinwheels. Begin by placing the chilled dough between two pieces of parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes it easier to roll out. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough into a rectangle, aiming for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. When spreading the jam, leave a small border around the edges to prevent spillage. As you roll the dough, ensure that you do so tightly and evenly, which helps prevent gaps that can lead to uneven baking. If the dough cracks while rolling, don’t panic; simply use your fingers to gently press the cracks back together. This will help maintain a smooth and cohesive look for your pinwheels.

Storage

Proper storage is essential to keep your Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies fresh and delicious. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their texture and flavor. If you plan to keep them for a longer duration, consider freezing them. To do this, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and allows for easy access to just a few cookies at a time. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly-baked taste.

By following these detailed tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and delicious Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike! Whether for a special occasion or just a simple treat, these cookies can easily become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer taste and consistency, which enhances the overall cookie experience.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before slicing and baking. This is a great time-saver for busy bakers.

Q3: What other fillings can I use besides jam?
A3: You can experiment with various fillings such as Nutella, sweetened cream cheese with cinnamon, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing for creativity in your baking.

Q4: How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
A4: Rolling the dough between parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Additionally, chilling the dough thoroughly makes it easier to handle and shape.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines creamy, buttery dough with the sweet tang of fruit jam. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create these delectable cookies to share with family and friends or to enjoy yourself. Their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make them a perfect addition to any dessert table. With the tips and FAQs provided, you’ll be well-equipped to make these cookies a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

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