Irresistible Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for Holiday Cheer

The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the delightful chaos of baking—flour everywhere, the scent of sweet cinnamon wafting through the air, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Enter Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, those colorful spirals of joy that look like little gifts from the kitchen fairy! With every bite, you’ll experience buttery goodness mixed with vibrant hues and festive flavors that scream “Christmas cheer.”

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As I reminisce about my childhood kitchen adventures, I can almost hear my grandmother’s laughter as we rolled out dough and crafted these whimsical cookies together. The anticipation was palpable—what colors would we choose this year? Would we go wild with red and green or perhaps opt for a more sophisticated blend? No matter the color scheme, one thing was certain: each batch brought us closer. Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories wrapped in sweetness!

Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies. Use a good-quality flour for the best texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar can enhance moisture and depth if you prefer.

• Eggs: You’ll need one large egg to bind everything together perfectly.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of quality vanilla extract brings warmth and enhances the cookie’s flavor.

• Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor in one layer—choose unsweetened cocoa powder for better control over sweetness.

• Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.

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

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Start with Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You want it to resemble clouds on a sunny day! Add in your egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. This step is crucial; it sets the foundation for your cookie’s fabulous flavor.

Next Up: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into your mixture until just combined. Don’t over-mix; we want tender cookies here! If you’re feeling adventurous, split your dough into two bowls at this point.

Color Your Dough

If you’ve divided your dough, add cocoa powder to one bowl for chocolatey goodness. In another bowl, use food coloring to create festive hues. Mix until you achieve vibrant colors—think Rudolph’s nose red or Grinch green!

Roll Out Your Layers

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough into rectangles about a quarter inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness so they bake evenly. If you’re feeling fancy (or just slightly mischievous), feel free to play around with shapes!

Create Your Swirl

Now comes the fun part! Layer one colored dough over the other carefully. Gently press down to adhere them together before rolling them tightly into a log shape—like wrapping up a present but way more delicious.

Chill Time!

Wrap your log in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour until firm. This step is essential; it helps maintain their shape while baking. Plus, it gives you time to clear up that mountain of flour on your counter!

Slice Away

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap your log and slice it into rounds about half an inch thick—each one will reveal those beautiful pinwheels! Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets with some space between them.

Bake Those Beauties

Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re slightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on these beauties; you want them soft yet firm enough not to crumble apart when you take them out.

Cool Down & Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. As they cool down completely (if you can resist eating them warm), share stories with loved ones or enjoy some quiet time reflecting on sweet memories this holiday season!

With each bite of these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll find joy wrapped in color—and maybe even a sprinkle of nostalgia too! Happy baking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your dough, then roll it out and layer on your fillings. Once rolled, chill the log in the fridge before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and keeps the colors vibrant while baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint for a unique twist. You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them for up to three months, thawing before serving.

A friend once told me these cookies sparked her holiday spirit like nothing else, especially when her kids helped decorate each pinwheel with sprinkles and icing!

FAQs:

What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are delightful treats that feature a colorful swirl of dough, often flavored with vanilla and peppermint. These cookies are visually appealing and perfect for the holiday season. The unique design is achieved by rolling two different colored doughs together before slicing them into rounds. They make a festive addition to any cookie platter and are fun to make with family or friends.

How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week if kept properly. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor for up to three months.

Can I customize the flavors of my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavors of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies by adding different extracts such as almond, orange, or even chocolate. You might also incorporate various food colorings to create more vibrant swirls. Consider adding festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for extra flair and flavor. The possibilities are endless, making these cookies versatile for personal tastes.

Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies make excellent gifts! Their eye-catching design and delicious taste impress anyone who receives them. Wrap them in decorative cellophane bags tied with a ribbon or place them in holiday-themed tins for an attractive presentation. They are perfect for sharing during the holiday season, whether as part of a cookie exchange or as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

In summary, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously festive treats that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. By using simple ingredients and incorporating various flavor options, you can create personalized cookies that will delight your friends and family. Remember to store them properly and consider gifting these delightful cookies to spread joy during the holidays. Happy baking!

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive delight that capture the essence of holiday baking. With their vibrant swirls of color and a delicious blend of sweet vanilla and rich chocolate, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holiday season. The joy of baking these whimsical treats is matched only by the memories they create, making them an essential addition to your Christmas festivities.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Gel food coloring (red and green)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
2. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour until dough forms. Split the dough into two bowls.
3. Mix cocoa powder into one bowl for a chocolate layer; add gel food coloring to the other for vibrant hues.
4. Roll out each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Layer one color over the other, press gently to adhere, then roll tightly into a log shape.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick; place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Allow to cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: - Customize flavors by swapping vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract. - Enhance texture by mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruit. - For gifting, wrap cookies in decorative bags or tins.