Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: A Holiday Delight

It’s that magical time of year again when the smell of fresh-baked cookies fills the air, and your kitchen transforms into a winter wonderland. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a festive hug in cookie form, swirling with delightful flavors and colors that could make even the Grinch crack a smile. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with layers of vibrant red and green swirling together like holiday ribbons.

As you roll out the dough and slice those little pinwheels, memories come flooding back — perhaps of childhood days spent baking with family or the excitement of sharing these treats at holiday gatherings. The anticipation builds as you wait for them to cool on the rack, promising an explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds like sugar plum fairies.

Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for our cookies, providing structure and a tender crumb.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; it lends richness to the dough.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies perfectly, creating that delightful balance between flavors.

• Eggs: One large egg helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract to enhance sweetness and add depth to your cookie flavor.

• Food Coloring: Red and green food coloring create that festive swirl that makes these cookies irresistible.

• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps your cookies rise beautifully in the oven.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial for aeration; you want it light and creamy before adding other ingredients.

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a rich base filled with buttery aroma.

In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing slowly until just combined.

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to the other; knead until colors are evenly blended.

Roll out each colored dough between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about a quarter-inch thick. It’s like creating colorful blankets ready for holiday cheer!

Now comes the fun part! Carefully layer one colored rectangle on top of the other. Gently press them together before rolling them up tightly into a log shape.

Wrap this log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour—this step ensures clean slicing later on while solidifying those vibrant colors.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting impatiently for your dough to chill. Your kitchen should already smell heavenly by now!

Once chilled, slice the log into quarter-inch rounds using a sharp knife—be careful not to squish those beautiful swirls!

Arrange your slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them space to grow without feeling cramped during baking.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown; they’ll be soft when they come out but firm up as they cool.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack; this is where patience pays off!

For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some powdered sugar over cooled cookies or drizzling melted chocolate—because who doesn’t love chocolate?

And there you have it: colorful, delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ready to impress everyone at your holiday party! Whether you share them as gifts or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge), these little beauties will become a cherished tradition in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your dough first, chilling it for better handling. While it’s cooling, you can whip up the filling. Once both elements are ready, roll them together carefully and slice into perfect pinwheels before baking.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out the traditional red and green colors for a fun twist—how about blue and gold? You can use different flavored extracts or even add nuts and dried fruit for that extra crunch and personality.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them between sheets of parchment paper, then reheating is as simple as a quick zap in the microwave.

Nothing brings back memories like baking Christmas pinwheel cookies with my grandmother. The laughter and flour fights filled our kitchen with joy, making every bite taste like love wrapped in sugar.

FAQs :

What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are colorful, festive treats that bring joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies consist of a buttery dough that is rolled out and layered with different colors of dough, often flavored with vanilla and cocoa. After rolling them up like a log, you slice them into rounds, revealing beautiful pinwheel designs. They not only taste delicious but also add a decorative touch to your holiday cookie platter.

How can I customize my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

You can easily customize your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies by adding different extracts or flavorings. Consider using peppermint extract for a festive twist or almond extract for a unique flavor. You can also incorporate sprinkles or colored sugar into the dough to enhance the visual appeal. Experimenting with various fillings, such as jam or chocolate chips, can create delightful variations of these classic cookies.

How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Can I make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ahead of time is a great idea for holiday preparations. You can prepare the dough and roll it into logs, then wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just slice and bake when you’re ready to share these delightful treats with family and friends.

Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies :

In summary, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors make them perfect for festive gatherings. With simple customization options, you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and impress your guests. Storing these cookies properly ensures they remain fresh while making them ahead of time adds convenience during the busy holiday season. Enjoy baking these beautiful treats with loved ones this Christmas!

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive treat that adds a splash of color and joy to your holiday celebrations. Each buttery cookie is swirled with vibrant red and green hues, creating an eye-catching design that’s perfect for cookie exchanges or family gatherings. These easy-to-make cookies not only taste delicious but also evoke cherished memories of holiday baking with loved ones. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create delightful cookies that are sure to impress everyone at your table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Red and green food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions; tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green. Knead until colors are evenly blended.
6. Roll out each colored dough between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Layer one rectangle on top of the other, gently pressing them together, then roll tightly into a log shape.
8. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
9. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using peppermint extract instead of vanilla. - Decorate with powdered sugar or melted chocolate for an extra festive touch. - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.