Irresistible Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe to Try Today

The holiday season brings a magical aroma wafting through homes, and nothing captures that spirit quite like Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Imagine biting into a swirl of buttery goodness filled with sweet, festive flavors that dance on your palate, making every moment feel like a warm hug from grandma.

Every time I whip up these delightful cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood. My mom would spend hours in the kitchen, the sound of laughter mingling with the clinking of cookie sheets and the sweet smell of vanilla filling the air. These cookies were our family’s holiday tradition, and they always disappeared faster than you could say “Santa Claus!” Perfect for sharing at parties or cozy family gatherings, these beauties promise not just flavor but a sprinkle of nostalgia too.

Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour gives a lighter texture to your cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Bring it to room temperature for easy blending; this is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough beautifully; using fine sugar helps create a smooth batter.

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; I love using dark brown sugar for an extra caramel note.

• Eggs: Binds everything together; use large eggs for consistent results across batches.

• Vanilla Extract: A must-have flavor enhancer; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise perfectly; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.

• Salt: Balances sweetness; just a pinch brings out all those delicious flavors!

• Cocoa Powder: For the chocolatey layer; use unsweetened cocoa powder to control sweetness levels.

• Food Coloring (optional): Brighten up your pinwheels; gel colors work best for vivid hues without altering texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Prepare the Dough Base

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, creating that dreamy texture we all love. Add in eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget that splash of vanilla extract—it makes everything feel extra festive!

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! You want soft dough rather than tough cookies.

Create Your Flavored Layers

Divide your dough into two portions: keep one as-is and mix cocoa powder or food coloring into the other part. Roll each portion between parchment paper until you get thin sheets—like rolling out a yoga mat but way tastier!

Assemble Your Pinwheels

Lay one flavored sheet atop another carefully and roll them into a log tightly. Make sure it resembles a delicious burrito! Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about an hour—this helps maintain shape during baking.

Slice and Bake!

Preheat your oven while waiting, then slice your chilled log into rounds about half an inch thick. Place them on prepared baking sheets spaced apart because they will spread slightly while baking. Bake until edges are golden brown—your house will smell like pure joy!

Cool Down and Enjoy!

Let them cool completely before transferring to a wire rack. Feel free to dust with powdered sugar before serving—or don’t; I won’t judge if you eat them straight off the cooling rack!

And there you have it: delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies that not only taste amazing but also bring warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering! Happy baking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough and chilling it while you prepare your workspace. Roll out the dough evenly, layer your fillings, then carefully roll it up before slicing into perfect pinwheels. Bake until golden brown for that ideal holiday treat.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to get creative with your pinwheel cookies! Substitute chocolate for peppermint or add crushed nuts for a delightful crunch. You can also use food coloring to create vibrant layers that will wow your guests.

Storing & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.

I remember the first time I made Christmas pinwheel cookies with my kids. They were covered in flour but giggling uncontrollably as we created our colorful masterpieces. It became our favorite holiday tradition!

FAQs:

What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are delightful treats that combine colorful layers of dough to create a visually stunning, festive design. Made with butter, sugar, flour, and often flavored with vanilla or peppermint, these cookies are rolled and sliced into pinwheels. They not only taste great but also add a cheerful touch to your holiday cookie platter.

How can I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Can I customize my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies by adding different flavors or colors to the dough. Consider using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. You can also incorporate festive sprinkles or chocolate chips into the layers for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Why are my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies not rolling properly?

If your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not rolling properly, it may be due to the dough being too soft or sticky. Ensure you chill the dough adequately before rolling it out to maintain its shape. Additionally, dusting your work surface and the dough with flour can help prevent sticking during the rolling process.

Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

In summary, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a charming addition to any holiday celebration. Their vibrant appearance and delicious taste make them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. By following proper storage techniques and customizing flavors, you can enjoy these festive treats throughout the season. Embrace your creativity when making these cookies and share them with family and friends for a truly delightful holiday experience!

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, featuring vibrant swirls of buttery dough and festive flavors. Each bite brings joy and nostalgia, making them perfect for sharing at parties or cozy family gatherings. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies will quickly become a cherished tradition in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
• Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Divide the dough into two portions; mix cocoa powder or food coloring into one portion. Roll each portion between parchment paper into thin sheets.
4. Layer one sheet over the other and roll tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into rounds about half an inch thick and place them on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg