The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and these Christmas Cookie Pinwheels are no exception. With their vibrant red and green swirl of dough, they are as festive as they are delicious. If you’re looking for a fun and easy holiday cookie recipe to impress family and friends, this one is sure to do the trick. Here’s everything you need to know to make these colorful pinwheels that are bursting with flavor and holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
To create these beautiful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
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These ingredients combine to create the soft, buttery texture and vibrant colors that make the Christmas Cookie Pinwheels so irresistible.
Instructions for Making Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
Follow these simple steps to create your festive cookies:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. - Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. - Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. In one half, add a few drops of red food coloring and knead it in until the dough is evenly colored. Do the same with the green food coloring for the other half. - Roll Out the Dough
Roll each colored dough into separate sheets, about 1/4-inch thick, on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure the dough is not too thin, as it needs to hold its shape when rolled. - Layer the Dough
Place the green dough sheet on top of the red dough sheet. Gently press them together so they stick. Using the parchment paper to help, roll the dough into a tight log. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to slice. - Slice and Bake
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. - Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
These cookies not only look stunning with their beautiful red and green spirals, but they also taste incredible. The buttery flavor paired with a subtle sweetness makes each bite a treat. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting in festive tins, Christmas Cookie Pinwheels are sure to become a family favorite.
- Colorful and Fun: The red and green swirls are a fun way to add some holiday cheer to your cookie platter.
- Versatile: You can use different food colors to make these cookies suitable for any occasion, not just Christmas.
- Simple to Make: Despite their intricate appearance, these pinwheels are easy to prepare, making them great for bakers of all skill levels.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It makes the dough easier to slice and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Roll Evenly: Try to roll the dough to an even thickness so the cookies bake uniformly.
- Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant hues, and be careful not to overdo it with the liquid food coloring, which can affect the texture of the dough.
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough a few days ahead and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the dough log for up to 3 months and bake the cookies later.
- Can I use other colors for the dough? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different color combinations to suit the season or your personal preference.
- How can I make these cookies extra festive? Consider adding sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cookies once they are baked and cooled for an extra touch of holiday magic.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
These Christmas Cookie Pinwheels are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and festive spirit. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing treats for a holiday party, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their vibrant swirls make them the perfect addition to any dessert table, and their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth taste will leave everyone coming back for more.
So, get in the holiday spirit and whip up a batch of these Christmas Cookie Pinwheels. Your family and friends will thank you, and they might even ask for the recipe!