Bring holiday cheer to your dessert table with these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These vibrant, spiraled delights are not only visually stunning but also delicious, making them perfect for cookie swaps, gift baskets, or enjoying by the Christmas tree with a glass of milk.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Festive Appeal: The striking red and green colors make these cookies a cheerful addition to any holiday spread.
- Fun to Make: Rolling and stacking the dough is a delightful activity that the whole family can enjoy.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are great for sharing, whether in gift baskets or at holiday parties.
Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- 360g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 227g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- 4 tablespoons festive sprinkles or nonpareils
Step-by-Step Directions for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Let’s get started on making the colorful cookie dough.
Directions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Divide the dough into three equal parts.
Coloring the Dough
Now, let’s add some holiday colors!
Directions
- Color the Dough: Color one portion of dough with red gel food coloring, another with green, and leave the third portion plain.
Rolling and Stacking the Dough
Let’s create the pinwheel effect!
Directions
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll out each colored dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.
- Stack the Dough Layers: Carefully stack the layers starting with the plain dough, followed by the red, and finishing with the green. Lightly roll over the layers with a rolling pin to fuse them together.
Forming the Cookie Log
It’s time to create the log shape!
Directions
- Roll into a Log: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough layers into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Baking the Cookies
Let’s get those cookies ready to bake!
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Coat with Sprinkles: Unwrap the dough log and roll it in festive sprinkles or nonpareils to coat the outside.
- Slice the Cookies: Cut the log into 1/4-inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoying Your Festive Treats
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a treat for the eyes but also a delicious addition to your holiday festivities. Enjoy them with family and friends or package them up as thoughtful gifts!
Key Takeaways:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
Celebrate the season with these cheerful, colorful cookies that are sure to bring smiles all around!
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