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Magical Spiral Cookies – A Whimsical Treat Bursting with Color

Magical Spiral Cookies – A Whimsical Treat Bursting with Color

Magical Spiral Cookies are vibrant, visually stunning treats featuring colorful swirls and a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and soft texture. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these whimsical cookies are perfect for celebrations or a cheerful everyday snack, customizable with natural or artificial colors and various flavor twists.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Coloring and Flavor Variations

  • Food coloring (artificial or natural such as beetroot powder, spirulina, turmeric)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate swirls)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (for fruit-flavored spirals)
  • Optional: Finely chopped pistachios or almonds (for nutty delight)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until combined. Divide the dough into portions based on desired number of colors, then mix each portion with your chosen food coloring gently until vibrant shades are achieved.
  2. Roll Out Dough Layers: On a lightly floured surface, roll each colored dough portion into thin, equally sized rectangles about 1/8 inch thick, using a rolling pin. Aim for uniform thickness for the perfect spiral effect.
  3. Assemble the Spiral: Stack the colored dough layers gently on top of each other, pressing lightly to adhere them together. Starting from one end, roll the layers tightly to form a log, keeping layers aligned to maintain clean, distinct spirals.
  4. Chill and Slice: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough. When chilled, unwrap and slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife to keep edges clean and defined.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow slight spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.

Notes

  • Use rolling pin guides or a ruler to ensure even dough thickness for uniform spirals.
  • Always slice chilled dough with a sharp knife to maintain clean edges.
  • Refrigerate the assembled dough log thoroughly before slicing to prevent misshapen cookies.
  • Line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • Mix colors gently to avoid overworking dough and maintain bright, saturated hues.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a flax or chia egg.
  • You can freeze the assembled dough log before slicing; thaw in the fridge before cutting and baking.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
  • Warm frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiral cookies, colorful cookies, whimsical cookies, butter cookies, easy baking, festive treats, gluten-free cookies, vegan cookies, natural food coloring