Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are vibrant, festive treats that bring a swirl of holiday cheer to your dessert table. These cookies are not just visually stunning with their colorful red and green spirals but also delightfully tender and buttery in taste, making them a must-have for any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: These cookies are perfect for adding a pop of color to your holiday spread.
- Customizable: You can adjust the colors or add fun sprinkles to make them even more unique.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy both making and eating these cheerful cookies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance, making holiday baking less stressful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red and green)
- Optional: Sprinkles for decoration
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one plain, dye one red, and the other green using food coloring.
- Roll each portion of dough into a thin, even rectangle on wax or parchment paper.
- Layer the dough rectangles on top of one another, gently pressing to adhere.
- Carefully roll the layered dough into a log, starting from one short side. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Different Colors: Swap out red and green for other color combinations, such as blue and white for a winter wonderland theme.
- Flavors: Add a few drops of peppermint or almond extract for a festive twist.
- Sprinkles: Roll the dough log in holiday-themed sprinkles before chilling for an extra decorative touch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap the unbaked dough log in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
2. How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling?
Ensure the dough is not too cold or too warm. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm.
3. Can I use natural food coloring?
Absolutely! Natural food colorings work well but may result in slightly muted colors.
4. What’s the best way to get even slices?
Use a sharp knife and chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing.
5. Can I skip the sprinkles?
Yes, the sprinkles are optional and don’t affect the texture or taste.
6. How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll each layer to about 1/8 inch thick for easy rolling and even baking.
7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
8. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Pack them in festive tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
9. How do I fix uneven dough layers?
Trim the edges with a sharp knife before rolling the dough into a log.
10. Can I add chocolate chips?
While not traditional, mini chocolate chips can add a delicious twist to these cookies.
Conclusion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Their stunning appearance, buttery texture, and endless customization options make them a standout treat on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just enjoying at home, these cookies are sure to become a festive favorite. Happy baking!
PrintChristmas Pinwheel Cookies
These festive Christmas pinwheel cookies are as fun to look at as they are to eat! With swirls of vibrant red, green, and classic white, they make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Perfect for gift-giving, cookie swaps, or just enjoying with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide and Color:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one plain, color one with red gel food coloring, and the third with green gel food coloring. Mix each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll and Layer:
- Roll each dough portion into a rectangle of approximately the same size (about 9×12 inches). Layer the red dough on top of the white dough, and then the green dough on top of the red. Use parchment paper to help roll the dough evenly.
- Roll Into a Log:
- Starting at one short end, roll the dough layers tightly into a log, using parchment paper to guide you. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).
- Slice and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To enhance the swirl effect, ensure each layer is rolled to an even thickness.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without affecting the dough’s consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.