The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, hinting at the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery Christmas Pinwheel Cookie, where vibrant swirls of red and green dance before your eyes, promising a flavor explosion that’s as festive as the holiday itself. fun holiday baking activity.
These delightful treats are not just cookies; they are little parcels of happiness that bring back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and sweet indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply to fill your home with cheer, this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips will have you twirling in delight faster than you can say “Santa’s coming to town.” perfect festive dessert option. unique cookie flavor variation rich and flavorful cookie recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting
- The colorful swirls add a fun visual appeal that kids adore
- With their rich buttery flavor and festive colors, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering
- Plus, it’s a versatile recipe; feel free to play with flavors and colors!
Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and laughter as we whip up these cookies. I can still hear my niece squealing with delight when she saw the spirals come together; her face lit up brighter than the Christmas lights outside.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it well for light and fluffy cookies.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough beautifully; opt for fine sugar for better incorporation.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for an optimal creamy texture. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes recipe.
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Eggs: Large eggs work best; they help bind everything together.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth; choose high-quality extract for enhanced flavor.
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Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant hues without altering the dough’s consistency.
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Baking Powder: A must for lift; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Salt: Enhances sweetness; don’t skip this ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Divide and Color the Dough: Once chilled, divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other. Knead until colors are evenly distributed.
Create Your Pinwheels: Roll each colored dough between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Layer one on top of the other carefully, then roll them up tightly like a jelly roll.
Chill Your Roll-Up: Wrap the rolled dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm—approximately one hour. This helps maintain shape during baking.
Bake Your Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
With these steps complete, all that’s left is to enjoy! The sight of those gorgeous pinwheels will have you grinning ear-to-ear as you revel in both their taste and festive spirit.
Feel free to share your own twists on this classic recipe or even let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive delight, combining colorful layers of dough that add flair to your holiday cookie platter
- Get ready for the mouthwatering aroma of vanilla and almond filling your kitchen, making it feel like Christmas morning year-round
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chilling the dough for at least an hour to ensure it rolls out smoothly. While that’s happening, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to have it ready for baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies with different flavored extracts or food coloring. You can even experiment by adding sprinkles in the dough for extra holiday spirit!
Storing & Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cookie individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect pinwheel effect, roll the dough tightly but gently; otherwise, you might end up with a crumbly mess
- Always use cold butter when preparing your dough to maintain its structure
- Lastly, don’t skip chilling; it’s essential for better texture and flavor!
The first time I made these pinwheel cookies, my family couldn’t stop raving about them—my brother even claimed they were “life-changing.” Who knew cookies could spark such joy?
FAQ
What is the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and tearing.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free flour can work well, just ensure it’s a 1: 1 blend.
How long do these cookies last once baked?
They stay fresh in an airtight container for about one week at room temperature.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the joy of the holiday season with these colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! With vibrant red and green swirls, each cookie offers a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as festive gifts, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you twirling with delight as you create delicious memories in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes if too sticky.
- Divide dough into two equal parts; tint one half red and the other green with food coloring.
- Roll each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles (1/4 inch thick). Layer them, then roll tightly into a log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (15g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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