Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Creating festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies brings a special kind of joy to our holiday celebrations! These delightful treats not only dazzle with their swirling colors but also deliver on flavor. Using a soft, buttery dough, you’ll get to enjoy a perfect blend of sweetness, with a burst of vibrant red that makes these cookies truly pop. Whipping up a batch is a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit, especially with loved ones by your side. The best part? You don’t need complex ingredients to make something that looks as if you spent hours in the kitchen. So, whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, looking for a fun family activity, or simply treating yourself, these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creating festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is not only about the stunning visual appeal; it’s also about the delightful blend of flavors and textures. The buttery, soft dough, combined with the vibrant red and white swirls, offers a perfect contrast that is as delicious as it is beautiful. This recipe leverages the simplicity of basic ingredients while maximizing the holiday spirit through eye-catching design and fun sprinkles, making them an irresistible treat for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring joy to every holiday celebration! With their delightful flavors and stunning appearance, they’re more than just treats; they’re a charming addition to your festive tables. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting to friends, or indulging solo, these cookies promise to elevate your holiday spirit. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a fun activity to enjoy with kids, these cookies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Wilton red gel food coloring
• Red, white, and green sprinkles

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free from lumps. Set aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light in color.

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy butter mixture. Beat until combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated into the dough.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Fold in the whisked dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Divide the Dough

Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and divide it evenly into two halves.

Color the Dough

Return one half of the dough to the mixing bowl. Add the red gel food coloring and blend until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough

Wrap each piece of dough separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm. This step is essential for easier rolling later on.

Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a clean surface, roll out each piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper until about 1/4 inch thick.

Create the Pinwheel Effect

Remove the top sheet of parchment paper from the white dough and place the red dough on top of it. Carefully roll the combined dough into a log, ensuring it maintains a tight swirl.

Coat with Sprinkles

Place Christmas sprinkles onto a baking sheet. Roll the cookie log in the sprinkles, pressing lightly so they adhere to the dough.

Slice the Cookies

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/3-inch thick slices. This will yield your beautiful pinwheel cookies.

Prepare to Bake

Transfer the sliced cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these festive cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate holiday experience. They also make a delightful addition to cookie platters alongside other holiday favorites.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading while baking.
• Adjust the amount of food coloring based on your desired vibrancy.

Variations

• Swap the red gel food coloring for green for a different festive look.
• Add crushed peppermint candies into the dough for a minty twist.

Storage Tips

Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked dough log wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

2. What can I use instead of red gel food coloring?
You can use beet juice or red food coloring, but keep in mind that natural colorings may not give the same vibrant results.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, the flavor and texture of the cookies may differ slightly.

4. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! They are perfect for holiday gift-giving when packaged in a beautiful box or bag.

5. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts can be added to the dough for an extra crunch. Just ensure that they are finely chopped so they can be evenly distributed.

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only a visual treat but a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of the holidays. With their charming swirls and festive colors, they bring joy to any occasion. Perfect for sharing or enjoying at home, these cookies embody the spirit of the season and will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

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