Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
The Joy of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
There’s something incredibly festive about the arrival of holiday cookies, and Christmas Pinwheel Cookies stand out in a crowd. These delightful treats combine a buttery, sweet dough with vibrant hues of red and green, creating a visual feast that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. A personal favorite during my holiday baking sessions, these cookies not only impress guests but are also a treat the entire family can enjoy making together.
Why you’ll love this dish
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for the holiday season for numerous reasons. First, they are an excellent way to spread festive cheer with their vibrant colors. They’re delightful to gift or display at holiday gatherings, instantly elevating your dessert game. Moreover, the mix of buttery sweetness with hints of vanilla and almond makes these treats irresistibly delicious.
This recipe is also relatively quick to prepare, making it great for busy holiday schedules. It’s a fun activity that’s perfect for kids, allowing for creativity with the color and toppings.
"I made these cookies for our holiday party, and they were the highlight of the dessert table! They looked so festive and tasted even better!" — Sarah, enthusiastic baker
Step-by-step overview
Making these colorful Christmas cookies is a fun experience that combines basic baking techniques with eye-catching results. The process involves mixing ingredients, coloring the dough, and then creating the iconic pinwheel shape. Here’s how everything comes together.
What you’ll need
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Food coloring (red and green)
- Sprinkles (optional)
The ingredients are pretty basic, but don’t underestimate the importance of using high-quality butter and fresh eggs for the best flavor. Feel free to use natural food coloring if you’d like to keep it wholesome!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, along with the vanilla and almond extract, until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one portion plain, color the second part red, and the third part green using food coloring.
- Roll out each portion between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of even thickness.
- Layer the colored dough on top of the plain dough and roll it up tightly into a log.
- Chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies can shine in a variety of ways! They make for a spectacular dessert platter during holiday gatherings, perhaps paired with a warm cup of cocoa or chilled glass of eggnog. For a special touch, you could also serve them alongside a rich fudge or a light buttercream dip. They are wonderful to enjoy just as they are, but adding a little side of whipped cream for dipping can elevate the experience.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week, although I doubt they’ll stick around that long! For longer storage, consider freezing them. You can freeze the cookie logs before slicing or freeze the slices individually. Just ensure to layer parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results which lead to lighter cookies.
- If the dough is too sticky to work with, chilling it longer can make it easier to roll out.
- Using a sharp knife or even a bench scraper can help you achieve even slices when cutting the log.
- Experimenting with the thickness of each slice can yield varied textures, some being chewy and others crispier.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative! Consider adding some crunchy chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a delightful added texture. You can also play with other food colors to create pastel shades for a spring-themed treat or use different extracts, like coconut, to create a distinctive flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, using a sprinkle of peppermint extract can give these cookies a fresh twist.
Your questions answered
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract works excellently as a substitute. You can also try a splash of hazelnut or coconut extract for a different flavor.Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This is often due to using melted butter instead of softened butter or not chilling the dough long enough. Ensure you follow the chilling step to maintain cookie shape during baking.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, along with the vanilla and almond extract, until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one portion plain, color the second part red, and the third part green using food coloring.
- Roll out each portion between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of even thickness.
- Layer the colored dough on top of the plain dough and roll it up tightly into a log.
- Chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
