Easter Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Easter Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful and colorful treat perfect for spring celebrations. These buttery, soft cookies feature pastel hues swirled together in a mesmerizing pinwheel design, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for an Easter party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy a festive homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

What Are Easter Pinwheel Cookies?

Easter Pinwheel Cookies are sugar cookies with a soft, buttery texture and a fun spiral pattern created by layering different colored doughs. The pastel colors make them ideal for Easter, and they can be customized with various shades to match any festive occasion. The dough is easy to work with, and chilling it before baking ensures perfectly shaped cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and fun – The pastel swirls make these cookies a beautiful addition to any Easter table.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
• Customizable – Change up the colors or add flavors like almond or lemon extract for a unique twist.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 250 g (1 cup) butter, softened
• 200 g (1 cup) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 320 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Food coloring (pastel pink, yellow, and blue)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

2. Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion (pink, yellow, and blue), kneading until the color is evenly distributed.

3. Shape the Pinwheel Design

1. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle of equal size (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Stack the colored dough layers on top of each other and press gently to adhere.
3. Carefully roll the stacked dough into a tight log.
4. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

4. Slice and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the chilled dough into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick rounds.
3. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned.
5. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
• Arrange them on a platter for Easter brunch or dessert tables.
• Package them in decorative bags for festive homemade gifts.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Freezing Instructions

• For unbaked dough: Wrap the cookie log in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
• For baked cookies: Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
• Different colors: Try pastel purple, green, or any shades that fit your celebration.
• Sprinkle topping: Roll the dough log in sprinkles before slicing for extra decoration.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring?
Yes! Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need only a small amount to achieve vibrant colors.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Ensure it’s well-chilled before slicing and baking.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

Easter Pinwheel Cookies are a festive, fun, and delicious treat that adds a pop of color to any Easter celebration. With a simple sugar cookie base and a mesmerizing swirl design, they’re perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Give them a try and brighten up your holiday with these delightful cookies!

Print