Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheels Recipe

Fluffy Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheels Recipe: Swirly Morning Joy

Sweet and tangy cream cheese jam pinwheels dance with vibrant flavor in this simple yet stunning appetizer.

These delightful bites burst with unexpected charm and irresistible texture.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with jam, creating a swirled sensation that melts in your mouth.

Elegant enough for parties yet easy to prepare, these pinwheels promise to impress without complicated techniques.

Rich cream cheese complements fruity jam in every delectable spiral.

The combination delivers a perfect balance of smooth and sweet that guests will adore.

Whip up these pinwheels and watch them disappear faster than you can slice them.

  • Bake with Ease: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Create Stunning Treats: Impressive swirled jam design looks professionally made, yet requires simple rolling techniques anyone can master.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Compact cookie rolls are ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, offering delightful bite-sized treats that vanish quickly.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different jam varieties like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to match personal preferences and seasonal tastes.
Cookie Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides tender texture and flavor to the cookie rolls.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy taste to the cookie dough.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookie and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that create the structure and balance the sweetness of the cookie rolls.
Filling:
  • Jam: A sweet, fruity spread that creates a delightful swirled center in the cookie rolls, adding color and intense flavor.

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and blend butter, cream cheese, and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture.

Pour in vanilla and mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough Foundation

Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing until a tender, pliable dough emerges.

Be careful not to overmix, which could make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Initial Cooling Session

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Shape each into a smooth disk, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

Slide the wrapped disks into the refrigerator and let them chill for half an hour, allowing the butter to firm up.

Step 4: Roll And Spread Jam Magic

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk into a rectangular shape approximately 12×10 inches.

Spread your favorite jam across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage.

Step 5: Form And Second Chill

Carefully roll the rectangles into tight logs, ensuring the jam is tucked inside.

Wrap each log in plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set their shape.

Step 6: Slice And Bake To Golden Perfection

Unwrap the chilled logs and slice into rounds.

Arrange on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Watch for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown, which typically takes 12-15 minutes.

Allow to cool before serving.

  • Refrigerate dough disks for exact 30 minutes to ensure ideal texture and prevent sticky handling.
  • Choose thick, high-quality jam with low water content to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Leave a small jam-free border when spreading to prevent overflow and messy edges.
  • Use sharp knife and gentle pressure when cutting cookies to maintain uniform thickness and even baking.
  • Let cookies cool completely on baking sheet to help them set and develop crisp edges.
  • Gluten-Free Jam Cookie Rolls: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Jam Swirl Cookies: Substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Rolls: Use sugar-free jam and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Nutty Jam Pinwheels: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans inside the jam layer for added crunch and flavor.
  • Cookie Plating Paradise: Dust the golden-brown swirled jam cookie rolls with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
  • Sweet Tea Time Companion: Serve alongside Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful afternoon treat that complements the cookies' sweet jam center.
  • Dessert Presentation Delight: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a small dollop of whipped cream to create a visually stunning dessert display.
  • Ice Cream Pairing Magic: Crumble these cookies over vanilla bean or almond ice cream for a decadent and textural dessert experience that blends warm and cold sensations.
  • Store these delightful cookie rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Wrap the unbaked cookie logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay perfect for up to 3 months when frozen.
  • Remove frozen logs from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking to maintain their beautiful shape and texture.
  • If serving the same day, keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for maximum softness and enjoyment.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are used to make the dough?

The dough is made with butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt, creating a soft and rich base for the cookie rolls.

  • How do I prevent the jam from leaking while rolling?

Leave a small border around the edges when spreading jam, and ensure the dough is chilled properly before rolling to help maintain the shape and prevent excessive leaking.

  • Can I use different types of jam for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various fruit jams like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even use preserves to create different flavor combinations in your cookie rolls.

  • Why is chilling the dough important in this recipe?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle, prevents spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a more structured and flavorful cookie.

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Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheels Recipe

Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheels Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheels dance with sweet and tangy flavors, blending creamy cheese and fruity preserves into elegant spiral pastries. Guests will devour these charming treats that promise a perfect balance of smooth richness and bright berry notes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup jam (raspberry, strawberry or apricot)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and airy, incorporating vanilla extract for a rich flavor profile.
  2. Gently fold flour and salt into the creamy mixture, kneading until a smooth, pliable dough emerges.
  3. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into flat disks, and encase in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for half an hour to firm up the texture.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk into a rectangular shape approximately 12×10 inches. Spread jam evenly across the surface, leaving a small margin around the edges.
  5. Carefully roll the dough into tight cylindrical logs, ensuring the jam is distributed throughout. Wrap each log in plastic and return to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to solidify.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the chilled logs into uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Softening Ingredients Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Flour Dusting Lightly dust work surface with flour to prevent dough from sticking during rolling.
  • Jam Selection Choose thick, high-quality fruit preserves to prevent excessive leaking during baking.
  • Uniform Slicing Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to create even, clean cookie rounds for consistent baking.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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