The holiday season is all about creating delightful memories and what better way to do that than with some delicious christmas Pinwheel Cookies? These vibrant and festive treats are a must-have for any holiday gathering, bringing joy to both the eyes and taste buds. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to bake and perfect for adding a splash of color to your dessert tray.
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When I was a child, my grandmother and I would spend hours in the kitchen making these cookies together. She loved adding a dash of her homemade vanilla extract, something she learned from her own mother, to give them a unique holiday aroma. To this day, the smell of vanilla in the cookies takes me back to those cozy afternoons spent laughing and baking by her side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for any celebration, especially during the festive season. The vibrant colors and pinwheel design bring a whimsical touch to your cookie platter while being surprisingly easy to achieve. Not only are these cookies visually appealing, but they are also buttery and delicious, with a hint of vanilla that delights the senses. Plus, you can prepare the dough in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules.
Ingredients Notes
The key to vibrant and flavorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter to give the cookies their rich, creamy taste. You can experiment with gel food coloring to achieve your desired holiday colors. If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, almond extract makes a delightful substitute, giving the cookies a nutty aroma and flavor.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Begin by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process ensures that your cookies have a perfect texture and flavor base.
Step 2
Add in the vanilla extract and an egg, mixing well to incorporate. Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until the dough starts to form.
Step 3
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to the other. Mix until you achieve your desired shades.
Step 4
Roll out each colored dough separately on parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. Carefully stack them on top of each other, then roll into a log, forming a pinwheel pattern.
Step 5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. Once chilled, slice into 1/4 inch cookies and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Storage Options
Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough logs before slicing for up to three months. To reheat, allow the cookies to return to room temperature before serving or enjoy them as is straight from the freezer for a delightful cold treat.
Variations & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To add a citrusy twist, include a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a refreshing holiday taste.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a warm cup of cocoa or eggnog. Serve them at holiday parties, gift them in decorative tins, or use them as a colorful centerpiece on your dessert table to impress your guests.
frequently asked questions
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. This can help save time during busy holiday preparations.
What if I don’t have food coloring? If you prefer to avoid artificial colors, you can use natural alternatives such as beet juice for red and spinach juice for green. These might yield a more subtle hue but remain delicious and festive.
How can I ensure my cookies remain soft? For soft cookies, do not overbake them. Once the edges are set and the middle remains slightly underbaked, remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring.
- Roll each dough into rectangles and layer the colored dough on top of the plain dough.
- Carefully roll up the dough into a log shape and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into 1/4 inch thick cookies.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
