Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe – Festive Holiday Treat

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is a festive favorite that adds a burst of holiday cheer to any celebration. These vibrant cookies, with their signature red, green, and white swirls, are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing thoughtful gifts, or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, this recipe ensures success with its easy-to-follow instructions and buttery, delicious results. Let these cookies bring a pop of color and flavor to your holiday dessert table!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup red food coloring
• 1/4 cup green food coloring

Instructions

1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking them together evenly. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

tep 2: Divide and Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough evenly into three portions.
2. Leave one portion plain for the white layer.
3. Mix red food coloring into the second portion of dough and green food coloring into the third portion. Knead each portion until the color is fully blended.

3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the rectangles on top of one another, starting with the white dough, followed by red, and finally green.
3. Gently press the layers together and roll the dough into a tight log.

4: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

5: Slice and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Unwrap the chilled dough log and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges start to lightly brown.

6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!

Helpful Tips

1. Use Gel Food Coloring
Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant red and green hues without altering the dough’s texture. Moreover, starting with a small amount and gradually adding more ensures you reach the desired shade without overdoing it.

2. Chill the Dough Thoroughly
Chilling the dough is essential for clean pinwheel designs. Therefore, wrap the rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. This step ensures the dough is firm enough to slice and holds its shape better during baking.

3. Roll Evenly
To create uniform thickness, roll each layer of dough evenly. Using parchment paper while rolling not only prevents sticking but also makes transferring the dough much easier.

4. Slice with Precision
For clean and consistent slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If the dough softens while slicing, simply place it back in the refrigerator to firm up again.

5. Bake Just RighTake the cookies out of the oven as soon as the edges turn lightly golden.. Additionally, avoid overbaking, as it can cause the cookies to lose their soft, buttery texture.

6. Customize the Flavors
Add almond or peppermint extract for a unique holiday twist. Furthermore, sprinkling festive sugar crystals on the dough before rolling adds sparkle and extra sweetness.

Incorporating these tips will help you achieve vibrant colors, perfect swirls, and delicious cookies every time!

Conservation and Storage

Short-Term Storage
To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh for several days, store them in an airtight container. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Place the container at room temperature, and the cookies will remain soft and flavorful for up to five days.

Refrigeration for Extended Freshness
If you need to store the cookies for longer, refrigeration is an excellent option. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Refrigerated Christmas Pinwheel Cookies retain their freshness and vibrant appearance for up to 10 days. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

Freezing the Dough
For make-ahead convenience, freeze the dough log before slicing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, slice it, and proceed with the recipe.

Freezing Baked Cookies
To freeze baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, let them cool completely. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Properly frozen cookies remain delicious for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Variations

1. Flavor Additions
Enhance the flavor of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies by incorporating extracts such as peppermint, orange, or almond. These flavors complement the holiday theme and give the cookies a unique twist.

2. Alternate Colors
Swap the traditional red and green colors for other combinations to match different occasions. For example, use blue and white for winter-themed cookies or pink and yellow for spring celebrations.

3. Sparkling Sugar Coating
Roll the dough log in sparkling sugar before slicing. This addition creates a glittery, festive edge that makes the cookies even more eye-catching.

4. Chocolate Pinwheels
Replace one-third of the dough with cocoa powder to create chocolate and vanilla pinwheels. This variation adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to the cookies while maintaining the fun swirl pattern.

5. Mini Pinwheels
Divide the dough into smaller logs before rolling. This creates bite-sized pinwheels that are perfect for snack trays or gift boxes.

6. Nutty Delight
Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as pecans or pistachios, on the layers before rolling the dough. This addition adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

1. Perfect for Holiday Platters
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their vibrant red and green swirls make them a festive centerpiece when paired with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies.

2. Pair with Warm Beverages
Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a peppermint mocha. The buttery texture and sweet flavors of the cookies perfectly complement these cozy drinks, making them a delightful snack on chilly winter evenings.

3. Pack as Holiday Gifts
Wrap the cookies in decorative cellophane bags or place them in festive tins. Add a holiday ribbon and a handwritten note to create thoughtful gifts for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. These cookies are as delightful to give as they are to receive.

4. Add to Dessert Buffets
Incorporate these cookies into a holiday dessert buffet alongside brownies, truffles, and seasonal cakes. Their unique appearance adds a festive touch, and they’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

5. Fun for Kids’ Activities
Let kids help with decorating the cookies by adding edible glitter or drizzling white chocolate on top. This activity keeps children engaged while creating treats they’ll be excited to share.

These serving ideas enhance the versatility and appeal of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, ensuring they shine at any event or celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Securely wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

2.How can I ensure the colors are vibrant?
Using gel food coloring ensures bold, vibrant hues without altering the dough’s consistency. Begin with a small quantity and slowly increase it until the desired intensity is achieved.

3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to prevent sticking. Additionally, refrigerating the dough before rolling makes it easier to handle.

4. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, baked cookies can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. How do I make even slices?
For clean and uniform slices, use a sharp knife. If the dough softens while slicing, refrigerate it briefly to firm it up again.

6. Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! Add peppermint, almond, or orange extract to the dough for a festive twist. You can also experiment with different color combinations to suit various occasions.

Print

If you enjoyed making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll love exploring other festive treats! Check out this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe for more holiday baking inspiration and creative ideas.

Conclusion

Festive and Delightful Holiday Treat
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring a vibrant and cheerful touch to any holiday celebration. Their eye-catching swirls, buttery texture, and customizable flavors make them a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying them with a warm drink, these cookies never fail to impress.

Perfect for All Occasions
The simple preparation and versatile design ensure that bakers of all skill levels can enjoy creating these festive treats. Try this recipe today to add a dash of holiday magic to your dessert table!