If you’re looking for a festive and fun treat that brings a pop of color to your holiday baking, these Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are just what you need! These eye-catching cookies feature vibrant swirls of dough that are not only delicious but also make for a stunning presentation on your holiday cookie platters.
What makes these pinwheel cookies so special is their buttery flavor combined with a delightful sweetness, all wrapped up in a playful, colorful design. These Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family and friends!
Resume of the Recipe
These Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are made with a basic sugar cookie dough tinted with red and green food coloring, rolled, and swirled to create beautiful pinwheels. Ready in about 1 hour (plus chilling time), these cookies are a festive treat that will impress everyone!
With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up these scrumptious cookies in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, it was for our annual holiday cookie exchange. I wanted to create something that not only tasted delicious but also looked festive and fun. As I divided the dough and added the food coloring, I couldn’t help but get excited about how vibrant and cheerful the cookies would be!
Once baked, the aroma of buttery cookies filled the kitchen, and when I cut into the first batch, the swirls were even more beautiful than I had imagined. The first bite was pure delight—the buttery sweetness paired perfectly with the colorful design. These Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies have since become a holiday favorite in our home!
Why These Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
- Festive and Fun: The vibrant colors and swirls make these cookies a hit during the holiday season.
- Easy to Customize: You can use any colors you like to match your holiday theme or event.
- Deliciously Buttery: The classic sugar cookie flavor is always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Tint one portion red with food coloring, another green, and leave the last portion plain. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each color of dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. The dimensions should be approximately 9×12 inches.
- Layer the Dough: Carefully stack the layers: start with the plain dough on the bottom, followed by the green dough, and then the red dough on top. Gently press down to adhere the layers.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without changing the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to slice and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Colors: Use other colors to create different themes, such as blue and white for winter or pink and purple for spring.
- Add Flavors: Incorporate almond extract or lemon zest into the dough for a unique twist.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use coconut oil instead of butter and a sugar substitute for a lighter option.
Closing
And there you have it! These Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a deliciously festive treat that will delight everyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful holiday treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled dough (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking. - What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
You can use a sugar substitute or coconut sugar for a healthier option. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool. - Can I add other flavors?
Yes! A splash of peppermint extract can give your cookies a festive twist. - What if I want to make them more festive?
Consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair! - What sides pair well with these cookies?
Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful pairing! - How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider drizzling with white chocolate or icing for a fun finish! - What’s the best way to cut the dough?
Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter for clean, even slices. - Can I use flavored extracts?
Yes! You can use different flavored extracts to enhance the flavor of the cookies. - How can I enhance the colors?
Feel free to experiment with various food coloring combinations to create unique patterns!
Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
Red and green food coloring
For the Decoration:
Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Tint one portion red with food coloring, another green, and leave the last portion plain. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each color of dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. The dimensions should be approximately 9×12 inches.
- Layer the Dough: Carefully stack the layers: start with the plain dough on the bottom, followed by the green dough, and then the red dough on top. Gently press down to adhere the layers.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
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