Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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why make this recipe

Christmas time is a wonderful season filled with joy, love, and delightful treats. One of the most beloved traditions during this holiday is baking cookies. When it comes to festive cookies, few are as visually appealing and scrumptious as Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These cheerful cookies not only bring color to your dessert table but also offer a wonderful flavor that everyone loves. The beautiful swirls of red and green not only remind you of Christmas, but they also add a fun touch to your holiday gatherings.

Making these pinwheel cookies is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. They can help with rolling the dough and have fun shaping the cookies. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps make it a stress-free baking experience. Whether you are enjoying them at home, gifting them to friends and family, or sharing at a holiday party, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

how to make Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Baking these festive cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. Here’s how you can make your very own batch of Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to share with loved ones this holiday season.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
A few drops of red gel food coloring
A few drops of green gel food coloring
To taste red sanding sugar (for decoration)

Directions:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It is important to have a hot oven ready for baking your cookies.
In a bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the butter, making your cookies light.
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Sifting helps to break up any lumps in the flour and ensures that everything mixes evenly.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients from the bowl with the wet mixture until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.
Once mixed, divide the dough into two equal halves. Take one half and mix in a few drops of red gel food coloring and the other half with green gel food coloring. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
Roll each portion of colored dough into rectangles on a piece of parchment paper or a clean surface. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking.
Layer the two rectangles on top of each other carefully, with the red dough on the bottom and the green dough on top. Starting at one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
Wrap the rolled dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps to firm the dough, making it easier to slice later.
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it carefully into 1/4-inch thick pinwheels. Lay these pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle each cookie with red sanding sugar before baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them harden slightly and makes them easier to handle.

how to serve Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

When it comes to serving your Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, presentation matters! Arrange the cookies on a beautifully decorated platter. You can use festive holiday-themed dishes or simple white plates to make the colors pop. Consider adding some touches like sprigs of holly or a little festive ribbon around the plate for an extra special touch.

These cookies can also be packaged in treat bags or boxes for gifting. Wrap the cookies in cellophane bags or paper boxes decorated in Christmas wrapping, and tie with a ribbon. This makes for a wonderful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.

You can serve the cookies as part of a dessert table during holiday gatherings, or alongside hot chocolate or eggnog for a cozy winter treat. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat during the festive season.

how to store Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

To store your Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies and maintain their freshness, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy. If you want the cookies to stay fresh for longer, consider placing sheets of parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container.

These cookies can be kept at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. To freeze, ensure they are completely cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. They can be enjoyed for up to three months frozen.

When you are ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply take them out and allow them to thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes to get them nice and soft again.

tips to make Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Chill the Dough: Always remember to chill the dough after rolling it into a log. This makes slicing the cookies easier and helps them keep their shape while baking.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For the best color results, use gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel colors are more concentrated, allowing you to achieve vibrant red and green shades without altering the dough’s texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. The edges should be slightly golden, but the center should look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking rack.
Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla is classic, you can try flavored extracts like mint or almond to give your cookies a unique twist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for several days before baking or even frozen before slicing.

variation

If you’re interested in switching things up a bit, Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies can be modified to suit your taste. Here are some variations to consider:

Chocolate Pinwheels: Mix cocoa powder into one half of the dough for a chocolate-flavored version. You can use 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for rich chocolate cookies.
Sprinkles: Instead of sanding sugar, add colorful sprinkles on the top of the cookies for a kid-friendly twist!
Nutty Addition: Chop up some nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, and fold them into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Different Colors: Get creative with your colors! You can use blue and white for Hanukkah or any color that suits your holiday theme.

FAQs

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If frozen, they can last up to three months.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure that the blend you use works for baking.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out if you freeze it.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them hard, so keep a close eye on them.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Absolutely! You can use different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to change the flavor profile of your cookies. Just be cautious with the quantity, as some flavors can be stronger than others.

With these tips and variations, you can make your Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies the highlight of your holiday festivities. Enjoy the process of baking as much as you enjoy the delicious results! Happy baking!