Description
Festive Holiday Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
Red and green food coloring
Sprinkles or sugar crystals for coating
Directions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Divide & Color: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one plain, tint one red, and one green using food coloring.
Roll Layers: Roll each portion into a rectangle (approx. 1/4-inch thick). Layer the colored doughs on top of each other, then roll tightly into a log.
Chill: Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Slice & Coat: Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Roll the edges in sprinkles or sugar crystals.
Bake: Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges are slightly golden. Let cool completely.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 110 kcal per cookie
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Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect pinwheels, follow these detailed steps. After creaming the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy (about 3 minutes), incorporate the egg and vanilla fully. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid tough cookies. For coloring, use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering dough consistency. Knead it in thoroughly. When rolling each colored portion, aim for uniformly sized rectangles. A light dusting of flour prevents sticking. Tightly roll the layered stack into a log, smoothing any seams. Chilling is non-negotiable; a firm log ensures clean slices. When coating edges in sprinkles, gently press to adhere before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These eye-catching cookies are a festive centerpiece on their own. Arrange them on a tiered stand for a holiday party. For gifting, pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a cookie swap or a homemade holiday dessert box alongside other classics.
How-to Summary
Make a simple sugar cookie dough, divide it, and color portions red and green. Roll each color into a rectangle, stack them, and roll into a tight log. Chill thoroughly, slice into rounds, dip the edges in sprinkles, and bake until just set for a beautiful, festive spiral cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the wrapped dough log can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Slice while cold and bake as directed, adding a minute or two if baking from frozen.
My dough is too soft to roll. What should I do? If the dough becomes sticky, wrap each colored portion and chill for 20-30 minutes before rolling. This makes handling much easier.
Why did my pinwheels spread and lose their shape? This is usually due to under-chilled dough or an oven that’s too cool. Ensure your log is firm and your oven is fully preheated. Using a parchment-lined baking sheet also helps.
Can I use natural food colorings? Absolutely, but note that natural colors may be less vibrant and can sometimes impart a slight flavor. Gel or paste colors are recommended for the best visual result.
How do I store these cookies? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour, as this develops gluten and leads to tough cookies. Do not skip or shorten the chilling time; a soft log will smear when sliced. Ensure your food coloring is fully kneaded in to avoid marbled streaks instead of defined layers. When baking, watch closely after 8 minutes to prevent over-browning—the cookies continue to set as they cool.
Conclusion
These Festive Holiday Pinwheel Cookies are a stunning and delicious way to celebrate the season. While they look impressive, the process is straightforward with a little patience. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a memorable treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy baking!