Oh, the joy of Christmas baking! One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of Christmas pinwheel cookies. These little beauties are not just cookies; they’re a celebration on a plate! With their vibrant swirls of red and green, they bring a festive cheer that lights up any holiday gathering. I still remember the first time I made these with my grandmother—her kitchen was filled with laughter, the scent of sweet butter, and the sound of our giggles as we rolled out the dough. It was messy, colorful, and oh-so-fun! Trust me, the moment you slice into these cookies and reveal their beautiful pinwheel design, you’ll feel that holiday magic. Plus, the taste? Decadently buttery with a hint of cocoa—it’s pure bliss. So, gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Christmas pinwheel cookies. They’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking traditions, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
To create these festive and colorful Christmas pinwheel cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup red food coloring
- 1/2 cup green food coloring
These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that’s not only fun to make but also a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
How to Prepare Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Making Christmas pinwheel cookies is a fun and rewarding process that brings out the festive spirit in all of us! Let’s break it down step by step so you can create these colorful, buttery delights without a hitch. Ready? Let’s get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier, the better!
- Add the egg and vanilla: Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until you have a smooth dough. Don’t overmix; just combine until you can’t see any flour!
- Divide the dough: Now, divide your dough into three equal parts. This is where the fun starts!
- Add colors: To one part, mix in the cocoa powder. To the second part, add the red food coloring, and to the third part, add the green food coloring. Make sure to mix well until the colors are vibrant and even.
- Roll out the dough: Place each colored dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll them out into rectangles about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect squares; just keep them as even as possible!
- Layer and roll: Now comes the fun part! Layer the red, green, and cocoa doughs on top of each other. Carefully roll them into a log, starting from one end. Make sure to roll tightly but gently to keep the layers intact.
- Chill the log: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for easier slicing later on, so don’t skip it!
- Slice and bake: Once chilled, slice the log into rounds about 1/4-inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up a bit!
And there you have it! Your Christmas pinwheel cookies are ready to be enjoyed. They not only look amazing but taste incredible too. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas pinwheel cookies are truly a holiday delight that will make you fall in love with baking all over again! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant red and green swirls are a feast for the eyes and add a cheerful touch to your holiday spread.
- Delicious Taste: With a buttery base and a hint of cocoa, each bite is a perfect blend of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: The step-by-step process is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels to join in on the fun.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are a hit at holiday gatherings and make a lovely gift for friends and family.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition in your home!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each delightful Christmas pinwheel cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
These cookies are not only festive but also a delightful treat to enjoy during the holiday season. Just remember to savor each bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas pinwheel cookies turn out perfectly, here are some pro tips I swear by:
- Use Gel Food Coloring: For those vibrant swirls, opt for gel food coloring rather than liquid. It gives you a richer color without altering the dough’s consistency!
- Chill the Dough Longer: If you have the time, let the dough chill for an hour or more. This makes slicing much easier and helps maintain those beautiful layers.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and buttery!
- Even Thickness: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4-inch. This ensures all cookies bake uniformly, so none are undercooked or overdone.
- Cool Properly: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making stunning and delicious Christmas pinwheel cookies!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your Christmas pinwheel cookies! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Different Colors: Swap out the red and green food coloring for other festive colors like blue and gold or pastel shades for a spring celebration!
- Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.
- Nuts and Sprinkles: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough or sprinkle the tops with festive sprinkles before baking for an extra touch of whimsy!
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in some mini chocolate chips to one of the doughs for a delightful surprise in every bite!
These variations are sure to keep your holiday baking exciting and give your cookies a personal touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas pinwheel cookies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Trust me, they’re just as delightful after a little chill!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about making these festive Christmas pinwheel cookies, and I’m here to help! Let’s dive in:
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Just remember to slice and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if I don’t have food coloring?
No worries! You can skip the food coloring altogether for a classic look. Alternatively, you can use natural colorings like beet juice for red and spinach puree for green. The flavors will still be delicious!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine if you need a dairy-free option. Just be sure to pick a good quality one for the best results!
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key! Make sure to chill it adequately before slicing and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and keeps those beautiful swirls intact.
Can I add more cocoa powder?
If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to increase the cocoa powder a bit! Just remember to balance it with a little extra flour to avoid making the dough too soft.
I hope these answers help you on your holiday baking adventure with Christmas pinwheel cookies!
Print
Delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas pinwheel cookies with vibrant colors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup red food coloring
- 1/2 cup green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Divide the dough into three parts.
- Mix cocoa powder into one part, red food coloring into another, and green food coloring into the last.
- Roll out each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles.
- Layer the colored dough, rolling them into a log.
- Chill the log in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Slice the log into rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Chill the dough longer for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas pinwheel cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking