Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive and delightful treat that brings holiday joy with every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe shows you how to make these colorful, swirled cookies perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun holiday project, these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies combine buttery sweetness with vibrant red and white spirals, making them an eye-catching addition to your seasonal cookie platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find and combine effortlessly.
• Impressive Appearance: The iconic swirl design adds a festive pop to any cookie tray.
• Fun Baking Activity: Perfect for involving kids or friends during holiday baking sessions.
• Versatile Flavor: Mild vanilla and slight almond notes complement holiday drinks and desserts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies can be prepared in advance without losing freshness or flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step to making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Each component plays a key role in the taste, texture, and visual appeal, ensuring your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and beautifully swirled.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and creates a tender cookie crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together with moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor and adds warmth.
• Almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the holiday vibe.
• Red food coloring: Creates the signature swirling color for the festive look.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

Variations for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or even festive themes. Here are some fun twists to consider:

• Chocolate Twist: Swap the red dough section for cocoa-flavored dough to add a rich chocolatey depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a trusted gluten-free flour blend to keep the cookies just as delightful but safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm holiday spice notes.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
• Festive Flavors: Experiment with peppermint extract or citrus zest to add new layers of holiday cheer.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract for that classic holiday aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt before gradually incorporating it into the wet mixture until a tender dough forms.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and knead it gently until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other half plain to create the contrasting swirl effect.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into an equally sized rectangle. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure the cookies will bake evenly and hold their shape.

Step 4: Create the Pinwheel

Place the red dough rectangle on top of the plain one, then carefully roll them up tightly starting from one of the shorter edges to form a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour to help the shape set.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start turning golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and ensures the cookies hold their perfect pinwheel shape.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Use cold butter: For flakier texture, making the dough easier to roll and shape.
• Chill the dough log well: Cold dough slices cleanly and retains the swirl better during baking.
• Roll evenly: Consistent dough thickness helps the cookies bake uniformly and look professional.
• Don’t overbake: Pull cookies out just as they start to turn golden to keep them soft and tender.
• Experiment with shapes: Try cutting the dough log diagonally for a different visual effect.

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Garnishes

Garnish your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate to add an extra touch of sweetness and make them look even more festive.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, eggnog, or classic holiday tea to create an inviting and cozy snack setup.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift. Layering with pine sprigs or cranberries adds a seasonal touch that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a low-heat oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to restore their softness and enhance their buttery aroma just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different food coloring for the cookies?

Absolutely! You can use any gel or liquid food coloring to achieve different festive colors, just adjust the amount to maintain the dough’s consistency.

Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional versions use all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten intolerance.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough log up to 24 hours in advance, which even helps enhance the flavors before baking.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

It’s optional, so you can skip it or substitute with extra vanilla extract or another mild flavor like orange zest for variety.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough log before slicing and baking helps keep the cookies firm and maintain their pinwheel shape without excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a wonderfully festive addition to any holiday celebration, bringing color, flavor, and fun to your baking adventures. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the joy of creating beautiful, delicious treats that everyone will love year after year!

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