Delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to Brighten Your Holiday Table
When you think of festive treats that can cause a serious sugar rush and put a grin on anyone’s face, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table should immediately pop into your mind. With their dazzling red and green swirls, these cookies can lift the mood at any holiday gathering, turning even the Grinchiest among us into festive cheerleaders, all while whispering sweet nothings of buttery goodness and delightful vanilla.
If you’re anything like me, the holiday season is a whirlwind of laughter, family, and—let’s be honest—an all-out cookie binge. Imagine gathering with friends near the kitchen, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the air, as colorful swirls dance on your cookie platter. These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies aren’t merely baked goods; they are edible memories waiting to be created. So, grab your apron; let’s make some holiday magic!
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Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table:
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure the butter is at room temperature; this helps create a creamy dough that’s easy to work with.
2/3 cup sugar – Regular granulated sugar will give you that sweet crunch we all crave in cookies.
1 egg – Brings moisture and richness, ensuring that every bite of your cookie is delightfully tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for that authentic cookie taste.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Essential for structure and that delightful chewy texture.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – A little salt goes a long way in enhancing sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy while preventing them from spreading too much.
Red gel food coloring – Adds a festive touch; gel food coloring gives you a richer color compared to liquid versions.
Green gel food coloring – For that ultimate holiday cheer!
Red sanding sugar – Optional but highly recommended for a sweet finishing touch that sparkles on your cookies.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table:
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl. This dry mix is the foundation for your cookie dough, so make sure it’s well combined and free of lumps!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger mixing bowl, beat 2/3 cup of softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add in 2/3 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—aim for about 3-5 minutes, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in 1 egg and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s smooth, ensuring there are no clumps left—this is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your butter-sugar-egg mixture on a low speed. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour; avoid overmixing. The dough should be soft and pliable, beckoning you to roll it out.
Step 5: Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half and mix red gel food coloring into one half until it’s a vibrant red. Do the same with green gel food coloring for the other half. Shape each colored dough into a disk about 1 inch thick, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 4. This chilling time is crucial for easy rolling later.
Step 6: Roll and Layer
Once chilled, take one disk out and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Lightly flour your surface or use parchment paper to roll out the red dough into a 12×9 inch rectangle, about ⅛ inch thick, then repeat with the green dough. Carefully stack the rolled red dough on top of the green dough, aligning the edges perfectly. Press gently to seal them without any air pockets.
Step 7: Roll into a Log
Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the layered dough into a log. Press the seam to seal securely. If you want some sparkle, sprinkle red sanding sugar on the log’s exterior and press gently to adhere, creating a festive look.
Step 8: Chill and Bake
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15-20 minutes before baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 9: Slice and Place
Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and, using a sharp, non-serrated knife, slice the log into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Arrange the slices about 1 inch apart on your baking sheets.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They may seem soft in the center, but don’t worry! They’ll firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Now, you have a beautiful batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies that were worth every delicious moment! Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or gifted to a loved one, these cookies will definitely deliver joy in every colorful bite!
This showstopping Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table Cooking Process
Start by prepping your dough and refrigerating it while you gather your baking sheets and preheat the oven. This efficient sequence ensures the dough firms up nicely, making it easier to roll and slice perfectly shaped cookies.
Add Your Touch to Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
Get creative with your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. You can also swap the colors with festive hues or use different flavored extracts to match your holiday spirit.
Storing & Reheating Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh them, simply warm them in a preheated oven for a couple of minutes to revive their freshly baked glory.
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My fondest memory making these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies was my family’s excited reactions as they bit into the vibrant swirls, declaring them the highlight of our festive gathering.
FAQs About Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
What is Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table?
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table are delightful, colorful cookies that instantly bring a celebratory vibe to any holiday gathering. These cookies are made by rolling two different colored doughs—typically red and green—together to create visually stunning swirls that resemble the festive spirit of the season. Soft yet crunchy with a subtle buttery flavor, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family over a cup of cocoa or as part of a holiday dessert spread.
Can I customize my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies lies in their versatility. You can experiment with various gel food colorings to create different hues or even use flavored extracts like peppermint or almond for a unique twist. Adding spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, can enhance the warm qualities of the cookies. Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize both the flavors and colors to match your holiday theme and preferences.
How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Storing Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is simple. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the cookie log before slicing, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. Just thaw and slice when ready to bake, and you’ll have warm cookies in no time, perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
How can I ensure my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies turn out perfectly?
To achieve the best results with your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, it’s essential to follow the recipe carefully. Make sure to chill the dough adequately before rolling to create smooth slices. Additionally, avoid overmixing the dough for optimal texture. Lastly, let these festive swirls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. These small steps will help you create beautiful, Instagram-worthy cookies that everyone will love.
Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table
In conclusion, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Your Holiday Table are a delightful treat that adds cheer to any celebration. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday festivities. Remember to customize them to reflect your personal style and store them properly to maintain freshness. Enjoy making these festive cookies with friends and family, creating memories that will last well beyond the holiday season.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 2/3 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy (1-2 min). Gradually add 2/3 cup sugar, beating until light and fluffy (3-5 min), scraping bowl sides.
- Beat in 1 egg until smooth, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat for another minute until thoroughly mixed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix; the dough will be soft and pliable.
- Divide the dough into two equal halves. Mix red gel food coloring into one half until uniformly red. Mix green gel food coloring into the other half until uniformly green.
- Shape each colored dough into a 1-inch thick disc. Individually wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 4 hours).
- Remove one disc from the fridge and let sit for 10-15 min to soften slightly. Lightly flour a surface or use parchment paper. Roll the dough into a 12x9-inch rectangle, about ⅛-inch thick. Repeat with the other dough disc.
- Carefully transfer one rolled dough rectangle onto a fresh piece of parchment paper. Gently lay the other dough rectangle directly on top, aligning the edges perfectly. Press lightly to adhere them without air pockets.
- Starting from one of the longer 12-inch sides, tightly roll the layered dough into a snug log. Press along the seam to seal securely. If desired, sprinkle red sanding sugar on top of the log, pressing gently to adhere.
- Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 hours) to firm up.
- About 15-20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp, non-serrated knife, slice the log into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Place slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cookies will seem soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
