When the holiday season rolls around, nothing captures the spirit of festivity quite like Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These delightful treats are a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, swirling together in a delicious dance that leaves your taste buds singing. Brown Sugar Butter Cookies Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with layers of vibrant red and green, infused with festive flavors like peppermint or vanilla. The aroma wafting from your oven is enough to make anyone forget about their diet and indulge in the joy of the season.
I’ll never forget the first time I baked these whimsical cookies with my grandma. We turned our kitchen into a joyful mess, flour flying everywhere as we rolled out the dough and sprinkled it with love. It was pure chaos, but those sweet memories filled me with warmth that still lingers today. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just wanting to impress your family, this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe will be the star of your dessert table. Cream Cheese Cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with festive flavors
- Their stunning visual appeal makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting
- Enjoy a delightful combination of textures as you bite into these colorful treats
- Plus, they are versatile—feel free to customize the colors and flavors as you please!
Baking these cookies has always drawn smiles from friends and family members alike, making our holiday celebrations even more memorable. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing Balls recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use good-quality flour for a perfect texture; avoid any clumps by sifting before measuring.
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Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps create that delightful cookie crunch while balancing out richer flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
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Powdered Sugar: Adding this gives the cookies a subtle sweetness and lightens their overall texture.
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Eggs: One large egg adds moisture and acts as a binding agent to hold everything together.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla will enhance the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
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Food Coloring (Red & Green): Choose high-quality gel colors for vibrant swirls that scream Christmas cheer.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all other flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
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Peppermint Extract (optional): For an extra festive touch, add peppermint extract for that classic holiday flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preparation Phase: Get Ready!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while gathering all ingredients on your countertop for convenience. Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper so you’re ready to go.
Make the Dough: Mixing Time!: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it! Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Add Color: Swirl It Up!: Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green coloring to the other; mix well until you’ve achieved vibrant hues. Feel free to adjust colors based on your preferences!
Roll It Out: Create Layers!: On two pieces of parchment paper, roll each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. You want them thin enough to roll but thick enough to maintain structure when baking.
Assemble: Roll Those Layers!: Carefully peel off one layer of parchment paper from each dough rectangle then stack them together starting with one color on top of another. Gently roll them up tightly, using parchment paper to assist you.
Bake: The Finishing Touch!: Cut the log into slices about 1/4 inch thick and place them on prepared baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden—be careful not to overbake!
Now that you’ve made these amazing Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, let them cool slightly before indulging yourself in those colorful swirls! Enjoy with family or package them for friends—they’re sure to bring smiles all around during this festive season!
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just pretty; they’re bursting with flavors and colors
- They can become a family tradition, bringing everyone together during the holidays
- The delightful swirl of colors makes them as fun to make as they are to eat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, chill the dough before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and prevents spreading while baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the fillings! Try different jams or even chocolate chips for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality food coloring for vibrant swirls, and don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s crucial!
- When rolling, use parchment paper to avoid sticking
- Lastly, always taste-test your filling before using it; quality counts!
Creating these cookies reminds me of my childhood when my grandma would bake with us. The kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas; those moments are truly unforgettable.
FAQ
Can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight container.
What fillings work best for these cookies?
Popular fillings include fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or peanut butter for added fun.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Chill the dough thoroughly and use parchment paper when rolling it out to avoid sticking.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these vibrant Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Bursting with festive colors and flavors, these soft, buttery cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Each bite reveals a delightful swirl of red and green, infused with either peppermint or vanilla. This cherished recipe is not only fun to make but also creates sweet memories that last a lifetime.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Red food coloring (gel)
- Green food coloring (gel)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Divide dough into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other; mix until vibrant.
- Roll each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles about ¼ inch thick.
- Stack the dough layers, roll tightly into a log using parchment paper, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the log into ¼-inch thick cookies and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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