This holiday season, imagine a delightful treat that bursts with color and flavor, making your taste buds dance. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and festive, showcasing vibrant swirls of red and green that capture the spirit of the holidays. homemade Samoas recipe These cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table, bringing joy to every gathering.
As I bake these beauties, memories flood back of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the scent of spices wafting through the air. The anticipation of biting into these colorful cookies brings a smile to my face every time. no bake carrot cake bites Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in some self-care while sipping hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are easy to make, even for novice bakers
- Each bite is a burst of flavor with a delightful texture that melts in your mouth
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning and a festive centerpiece on any table
- You can customize the flavors and colors to match your holiday theme or personal preferences
The Christmas Pinwheel Cookies have become a staple at our family gatherings, always eliciting oohs and aahs from everyone around. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Lavender Cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice that provides structure; sift it for lighter cookies.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it creates a rich flavor.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough perfectly; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for depth.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together; they also add richness and moisture.
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Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for superior flavor; it makes each bite aromatic.
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Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering the dough’s consistency.
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Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness; don’t skip it!
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Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise slightly; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. delicious cherry cheesecake fluff Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Sifting helps eliminate clumps which lead to better texture in your cookies.
Coloring Your Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one half, mix in red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade. Repeat with green food coloring in the second half.
Rolling Out Your Dough: On parchment paper or plastic wrap, roll out each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Ensure they are of equal size for perfect pinwheels!
Chilling Time!: Stack one colored rectangle on top of the other carefully. Roll tightly like a jelly roll while pressing gently to avoid air pockets. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Slicing and Baking Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled log from plastic wrap and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place them on lined baking sheets about an inch apart and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
With these simple steps completed, you’ll have beautifully festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ready to impress! Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence! layered zucchini ricotta melts.
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive delight that combines colors and flavors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings
- These cookies not only taste delicious but also brighten up any dessert table with their cheerful swirls
- Plus, they make great gifts when wrapped beautifully!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, start by mixing the dough thoroughly before chilling it. This ensures even color distribution and helps the flavors meld perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, for a unique twist. You can also use colorful sprinkles to make them extra festive!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your dough before rolling it out; this prevents it from sticking and makes slicing easier
- When rolling the logs, try to keep them tight for even slices and beautiful swirls
- Letting the cookies cool completely before serving enhances their flavor and texture
Sharing these cookies during family gatherings always brings back fond memories of laughter and joy around the table, especially when everyone tries to guess the secret ingredient!
FAQ
What is the best way to roll out the dough for pinwheel cookies?
Rolling out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking.
Can I add food coloring to my cookie dough?
Absolutely! Food coloring adds vibrant hues that enhance the festive appearance of your cookies.
How do I know when my pinwheel cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Get ready to impress this holiday season with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These vibrant cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and colors, featuring striking swirls of red and green that embody the spirit of the holidays. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. With each bite, you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sure to bring joy to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red and green)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Divide dough into two equal portions. Mix red food coloring into one half until desired shade; repeat with green for the other half.
- Roll each colored dough into rectangles (1/4 inch thick) between parchment paper. Stack them carefully and roll tightly like a jelly roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds and place on lined baking sheets about an inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
