Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Introduction

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are one of those treats that instantly make you feel festive. With their bright swirls of red and green dough, they not only taste delicious but also look beautiful on a holiday dessert table. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the fun swirl pattern makes these cookies a true showstopper. They’re perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers, and they make for a fantastic homemade gift during the holiday season.

I absolutely love making these cookies every year—it’s become a cherished tradition in my home. The process is simple yet rewarding, especially when you see the stunning results. My family enjoys picking out the colors together and rolling the dough into perfect pinwheels. Every time I bake them, the house fills with the comforting scent of butter and vanilla, signaling the start of the holidays. Plus, they make for such a fun gift! I remember last Christmas when I packaged a batch of these for a cookie exchange, and they were gone in minutes. The bright colors and festive appeal made them the first to disappear!

The beauty of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is that they’re customizable—you can change up the colors or even use different flavors of extract to make them uniquely yours. The key is to roll the dough tightly enough so the swirls stay intact, creating a stunning visual effect when you slice them. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or simply looking to add a little extra holiday cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations
• Christmas cookie exchanges
• Festive gifts
• Baking with kids
• Adding a decorative touch to dessert platters

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season:

• Visually Stunning: The beautiful swirl pattern makes these cookies a show-stopper at any holiday event.
• Fun to Make: Rolling and slicing the dough is a fun and satisfying process, especially for kids.
• Customizable Colors: You can adjust the colors to match any theme or celebration, adding your personal touch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Versatile for Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful and homemade holiday gift.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 12g, Fat: 5g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

To make these festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Red and green food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant colors)
• Sprinkles (optional, for edges)

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Gel Food Coloring: Produces vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the dough.
• Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Add depth and warmth to the cookie flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
• Sprinkles: Optional but add a fun and festive touch when used to coat the cookie edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create these festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Divide and Color the Dough:

5. Divide the Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions.
6. Color the Dough: Add red food coloring to one portion and green food coloring to the other, kneading each dough gently until the colors are evenly distributed.

Create the Pinwheels:

7. Roll Out Dough: Roll each colored dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on parchment paper.
8. Layer the Dough: Place one rolled dough on top of the other, using the parchment paper to help align them evenly.
9. Roll into a Log: Starting from one short end, tightly roll the layered dough into a log, using the parchment paper to guide the roll.
10. Chill the Dough: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.

Bake the Cookies:

11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12. Slice the Cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
13. Add Sprinkles (Optional): Roll the edges of each cookie in sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
14. Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
15. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies can be served in creative and festive ways:

1. On a Dessert Platter: Display them alongside other holiday treats like fudge, truffles, and sugar cookies for a stunning dessert spread.
2. As Edible Decorations: Use them to adorn your gingerbread houses or holiday centerpieces.
3. With Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
4. In Holiday Tins: Package them in decorative tins or gift bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.
5. At Cookie Swaps: Bring them to a cookie exchange party for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips

Follow these tips for flawless Christmas Pinwheel Cookies every time:

1. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring produces brighter, more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s texture.
2. Chill the Dough Well: Proper chilling ensures clean, precise slices and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
3. Roll Even Layers: Aim for evenly rolled dough layers to achieve perfect, symmetrical pinwheels.
4. Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing easier and keeps the pinwheel design intact.
5. Experiment with Colors: Customize the colors to match other holidays or special events throughout the year.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways to customize your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

1. Peppermint Pinwheels: Add peppermint extract instead of almond for a festive, minty flavor.
2. Chocolate Swirls: Replace one portion of the dough with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
3. Gold and White Theme: Use gold and white sprinkles for a luxurious holiday look.
4. Rainbow Pinwheels: Create a multi-colored swirl by dividing the dough into three or more portions.
5. Cinnamon Pinwheels: Add a cinnamon sugar layer between the dough layers for extra flavor.
6. Nutty Pinwheels: Sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers before rolling the dough.
7. Marbled Effect: Lightly mix the colors for a marble design instead of distinct layers.
8. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
9. Sparkly Finish: Dust the edges with edible glitter for a magical holiday touch.
10. Double Vanilla: Intensify the vanilla flavor by using a vanilla bean paste instead of extract.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: Wrap the prepared dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storing at Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment

Here are some items that make baking Christmas Pinwheel Cookies easier:

1. Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar efficiently.
2. Parchment Paper: Helps roll out and layer the dough without sticking.
3. Plastic Wrap: Essential for chilling and shaping the dough.
4. Rolling Pin: For evenly flattening the dough.
5. Sharp Knife: Ensures clean and precise slices for the pinwheel pattern.
6. Cookie Sheet: A flat, nonstick sheet for even baking.
7. Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool properly and prevents sogginess.
8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
9. Food Coloring Gel: Provides vibrant hues without affecting dough texture.
10. Sprinkles: Optional but perfect for decorating the cookie edges.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
   Yes, you can skip the food coloring for natural-colored cookies with the same great taste.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Absolutely! Wrap the dough log tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   You can skip it or replace it with additional vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
4. How do I prevent the dough from cracking?
   Ensure the dough is at room temperature before rolling to avoid cracks.
5. Can I add flavors to the dough?
   Yes! Try adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
6. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
7. Can I use liquid food coloring?
   Gel food coloring is recommended, but liquid can work if you adjust the dough consistency.
8. Do I need to chill the dough?
   Yes, chilling is crucial for clean slices and maintaining the pinwheel design during baking.
9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
10. Can I use this recipe for other holidays?
    Definitely! Just change the colors to match the theme of the occasion.

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Conclusion

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday season. Their festive swirls, buttery flavor, and customizable options make them a favorite for family gatherings, gifts, and dessert tables. The bright colors and intricate design make them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread, while their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone reaching for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday enthusiast looking to spread cheer, these cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. With endless possibilities for flavor combinations and decorative touches, you can truly make them your own.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen! I can’t wait to see how your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Feel free to leave a comment or share your thoughts. Happy baking and happy holidays!