The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies? These delightful treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle that will have your family and friends clamoring for seconds. With their vibrant swirls of red and green, they bring festive cheer to any cookie platter, making every bite feel like a holiday celebration. tropical cookie inspiration rich and flavorful cookies delicious holiday dessert The buttery flavor combined with the sweet filling creates an irresistible allure that fills your kitchen with warmth and happiness.
As I reminisce about my childhood holidays, I can almost hear the laughter of family gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting these cookies to cool. My grandmother would roll out the dough while sharing stories about her own childhood. Every swirl in these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies represents not just a flavor but a cherished memory. unique cookie variation They’re perfect for decorating the tree or enjoying with hot cocoa while watching your favorite holiday movies. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies hold such a special place in my heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The mix of flavors and stunning visuals make them showstoppers on any dessert table
- Feel free to customize colors and fillings based on your preferences or seasonal themes
- These cookies keep well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the festive season
The first time I made these cookies, my family devoured them so quickly that I barely got to enjoy one myself! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use a high-quality brand for best results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly; try using superfine sugar for better blending.
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Butter: Ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
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Eggs: Vital for binding; use large eggs to ensure consistent results in texture.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation.
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Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor in half of the dough.
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Food Coloring: Choose gel coloring for vibrant hues without adding too much liquid.
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Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting or additional sweetness, it’s perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Creating these scrumptious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is like crafting edible works of art! Follow along as we turn simple ingredients into delightful treats.
Prepare Your Dough: Start by creaming butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix until well combined. Blend in vanilla extract as you savor that rich aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into the mixture along with cocoa powder if you’re creating a chocolate swirl. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender!
Divide Your Dough: Gently separate the dough into two equal parts. To one half, add food coloring to create that vibrant green hue typical of Christmas cheer! Knead gently until fully colored without overworking.
Roll It Out and Layer Up!: On parchment paper, roll out each portion separately into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Layer the colored dough atop the plain dough carefully, ensuring even edges as you go.
Chill Before Baking: Roll up both layers tightly together into a log shape using the parchment paper as help. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour—this helps maintain shape during baking!
Bake Your Cookies!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until edges turn golden brown—about 10-12 minutes should do it!
Enjoy making these festive delights! They are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home too!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just festive; they offer a delightful flavor combination
- Their vibrant colors and delicious taste will impress everyone at your holiday gathering
- Plus, they are fun to make, so gather the kids or your inner child for some baking magic!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and chilling it for an hour. This ensures easy rolling and prevents sticking. Bake at 350°F until lightly golden, usually about 10-12 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out flavors in the filling, like using peppermint extract instead of vanilla. You can also add chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra texture and flair!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place layers of parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Consider chilling your dough overnight for even better flavors
- Roll the dough tightly but not too tight, or it may crack
- Always let cookies cool before storing to maintain their crispness
Baking these pinwheel cookies reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and flour fights during the holidays. Those memories are sweeter than any frosting could ever be.
FAQ
Can I use different colors for the dough?
Absolutely! You can use food coloring to create vibrant layers in your pinwheel cookies.
How do I prevent my dough from sticking?
Chill your dough thoroughly before rolling it out, and dust your surface with flour.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough before baking to help maintain shape.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These vibrant, buttery treats feature delightful swirls of red and green, making them a beautiful addition to any dessert table. With their irresistible flavor and stunning appearance, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate swirl)
- Food coloring (gel preferred)
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour and cocoa powder (if using) to the mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half; tint one half with food coloring to create a vibrant green dough.
- On parchment paper, roll both portions into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Layer the colored dough on top of the plain dough and roll tightly into a log.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled logs into 1/4-inch rounds and place on lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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