Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. These colorful, festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as edible gifts. With their vibrant swirls of red, green, and white, they capture the spirit of the season. Best of all, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

What Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are classic sugar cookies with a festive twist. The dough is divided, colored, and layered to create a stunning pinwheel effect when sliced. Rolled in sprinkles, these cookies add an extra touch of holiday cheer. They’re buttery, soft, and just sweet enough to make them irresistible for kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning: Bright, swirled layers make these cookies a showstopper.
• Easy to customize: Choose your favorite holiday colors or add sprinkles for extra flair.
• Kid-friendly: A fun and interactive recipe for family baking sessions.
• Make-ahead option: The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring
• Sprinkles (optional, for rolling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Coloring and Layering

5. Divide the dough into three equal portions:
   • Leave one portion plain.
   • Add red food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored.
   • Add green food coloring to the remaining portion and mix until evenly colored.
6. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Assembling the Pinwheel

7. Roll each dough portion into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
8. Layer the rectangles: plain dough on the bottom, red dough in the middle, and green dough on top. Gently press the layers together.
9. Trim the edges to create a neat rectangle.
10. Starting from a long edge, roll the stacked dough tightly into a log. For a festive touch, roll the log in sprinkles if desired.
11. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Baking the Cookies

12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
13. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
14. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
15. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
• Use them as a decorative addition to holiday dessert platters.
• Package them in festive tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing Instructions

• Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Flavor twist: Add ½ tsp of almond extract or peppermint extract for a holiday flavor boost.
• Color options: Experiment with blue and white for a winter wonderland theme.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and provides more vibrant colors with less liquid.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 24 hours before rolling and slicing.

How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling?

Make sure the dough is slightly softened after chilling and roll it gently to avoid cracks.

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. With their bright, festive swirls and buttery flavor, they’re guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Give them a try this holiday season, and let the festive baking begin! Share your experience and let us know how they turned out.

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