Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Imagine pulling out a tray of colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, their vibrant swirls promising a delightful explosion of flavors. These cookies have the power to turn any holiday gathering into a festive celebration, making them an absolute must-have for your Christmas cookie platter.

Every year, I find myself at the kitchen counter, rolling and slicing these delightful treats, reminiscing about my childhood when my mom and I would bake together, flour flying everywhere like it was confetti. The laughter, the slight chaos, and those gorgeous swirls of red and green dough still bring a smile to my face. Now, it’s your turn to create unforgettable memories with this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips that are perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in by the fire.

Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, these cookies come together easily, even if you’re new to baking.

Flavor Profile: Each bite reveals a delightful combination of buttery sweetness paired with rich vanilla and festive spices that scream holiday cheer.

Visual Appeal: The vibrant swirls of color make these cookies not just delicious but also stunningly beautiful on any dessert table.

Versatility: Customize with your favorite fillings or sprinkle in some nuts or chocolate chips for an added twist to this classic treat.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; use unbleached flour for better flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates rich flavor; be sure it’s at room temperature.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough; brown sugar can be added for moisture.

• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together; ensure it’s fresh for best results.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a more intense flavor profile.

• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly while baking.

• Food Coloring: Red and green food coloring create those festive swirls; gel coloring works best.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper – this will prevent your cookies from sticking while giving them that perfect golden bottom.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix well until fully combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder before gradually incorporating it into your wet mixture.

Step 3: Divide & Color

Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal parts. To one half, add red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade. To the other half, add green food coloring. Remember to wash your hands after handling food coloring unless you want rainbow fingers for days!

Step 4: Roll Out

On a floured surface (or between two sheets of wax paper), roll out each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Stack them carefully – red on top of green – making sure they align perfectly.

Step 5: Roll It Up

Starting from one end, roll up the stacked dough tightly into a log shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap or wax paper tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour – this helps maintain those beautiful swirls during baking.

Step 6: Slice & Bake

Remove the chilled log from the fridge and slice it into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them on prepared baking sheets about an inch apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges start to turn golden brown.

Transfer to plates and allow cooling before indulging in these delightful bites of joy!

Now that you have all you need to whip up this festive treat, grab those ingredients and get started! Trust me; once you taste these cookies filled with nostalgia and holiday cheer, you’ll want them on every table during this joyous season!

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips, start by preparing your cookie dough. Chill it while you mix colors with food dye, then roll it out layer by layer for perfect pinwheels.

Flavor Your Way

With the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips, feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond or add crushed peppermint candies for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with different food colorings to create unique designs.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, layer between parchment paper and keep in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Baking these cookies reminds me of my grandmother’s holiday kitchen filled with laughter and sweet scents. One year, she added too much food coloring, creating a rainbow of pinwheels that had us giggling all evening!

FAQs

What is Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips?

The Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips involve creating vibrant, swirled cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies combine rich flavors of butter, sugar, and vanilla with colorful layers of dough. The dough is rolled, layered, and then sliced to reveal a beautiful pinwheel design when baked. This festive treat not only tastes delicious but also adds a visual appeal to your holiday cookie platter. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can impress your family and friends with these delightful cookies.

How do I make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, start by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla extract for flavor. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into portions, tinting each with food coloring as desired. Roll out each portion between parchment paper, layer them together, then roll them up tightly. Chill the log in the refrigerator before slicing it into rounds and baking. Bake until golden brown for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

Can I customize the flavors of my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Yes! You can easily customize the flavors of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Consider adding different extracts such as almond or peppermint for unique tastes. You could also fold in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to enhance texture and flavor. For a twist on color, use various shades of food coloring or even natural alternatives like beet juice for reds or spinach powder for greens. Experimenting with flavors lets you create cookies that reflect your personal style.

What are some tips for perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

For perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. Chill the rolled dough log well before slicing to maintain clean edges during baking. Use parchment paper during rolling to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Additionally, bake on a lined cookie sheet for consistent results. Lastly, avoid over-baking; take them out when they are just set to keep them soft in the center while still achieving that golden edge.

Conclusion

In summary, mastering the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe and Tips can elevate your holiday baking game significantly. From understanding the essential steps to customizing flavors, these cookies offer both visual delight and delicious taste. By following these guidelines carefully and experimenting with colors and flavors, you can create memorable treats that will impress everyone during the festive season. Enjoy making these festive cookies as part of your holiday traditions!

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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• Author: Luella Webster
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These delightful cookies boast vibrant swirls of red and green dough combined with a buttery sweetness, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for creating cherished memories in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these cheerful cookies to impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Red and green gel food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually incorporate it into the wet mixture until combined.
4. Divide the dough into two parts, tint one red and one green with food coloring.
5. Roll each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Stack them (red on top of green) and roll tightly into a log shape.
6. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.
7. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds, place on prepared baking sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie [28g]
• Calories: 123
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg