The holiday season brings a sense of joy and togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than with vibrant, festive treats? Pinwheel cookies have a whimsical charm that not only delights the taste buds but also adds color and cheer to holiday gatherings. These cookies are not just a sweet indulgence; they are a canvas for creativity in the kitchen, making them a perfect baking project to share with family or friends. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of buttery, sweet goodness, and their playful swirls of red and green colors make them a visual delight that’s sure to impress!

Why you’ll love this dish

This cookie recipe stands out for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. With a few staple ingredients and some fun colors, you can create a batch of treats that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy afternoons at home with family. They are kid-approved, making them an exciting activity for little ones who love to get hands-on in the kitchen.

"I made these pinwheel cookies for a holiday gathering, and they were a total showstopper! Everyone loved how festive they looked, and they tasted absolutely delicious!"

The cooking process explained

Making vibrant pinwheel cookies is a straightforward process that offers a delightful baking experience. It begins by mixing your dry ingredients and creaming together the butter and sugars, creating a smooth base for your dough. Once you’ve prepared different colors of dough, the real fun starts with rolling and layering, resulting in beautiful swirls that bake into colorful, cheerful cookies.

What you’ll need

To get started, here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Food coloring (red and green)
Sprinkles (optional)

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, and consider using high-quality vanilla and almond extracts to enhance flavor. You can also exchange the butter for a dairy-free alternative if needed!

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well before setting it aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and almond extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough into three equal portions: leave one plain, color the second part red, and the remaining part green with food coloring.
Roll out each portion between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of even thickness.
Layer the red and green dough on top of the plain dough, then roll it up tightly into a log.
Chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Slice the chilled log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool before serving.

Best ways to enjoy it

These cookies shine on their own, but there are numerous delightful ways to serve them. For an elegant touch, stack them on a festive platter, or arrange them in a decorative tin for gift-giving. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or mulled cider to elevate the holiday spirit. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert table at holiday parties, impressing guests with their cheerful appearance.

How to store

To keep your pinwheel cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Simply layer the slices in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and they will taste just as delightful!

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure even baking, be sure your cookie slices are uniform in thickness.
If the dough feels sticky while rolling, dust your parchment paper with a little extra flour.
For an added flavor kick, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.

Creative twists

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can experiment with your flavors and colors! Try using different food coloring to create other themes for various holidays. You can also substitute the almond extract for lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Your questions answered

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, though it may alter the taste slightly. Aim for a stick form for the best results.

How long can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough a few days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to roll and bake.

What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough turns out too crumbly, try adding an extra teaspoon of milk or water to help bind it together without overmixing.

Pinwheel Cookies

These vibrant pinwheel cookies are not only a delightful treat for the taste buds but also a colorful addition to holiday gatherings, perfect for family baking projects.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 32

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Dough Base

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use high-quality extract for best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract Can be substituted for lemon or orange zest.
Food coloring (red and green) For creating colorful dough.
Sprinkles (optional) For decoration.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well before setting it aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and almond extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough into three equal portions: leave one plain, color the second part red, and the remaining part green with food coloring.

Rolling and Baking

Roll out each portion between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of even thickness.
Layer the red and green dough on top of the plain dough, then roll it up tightly into a log.
Chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Slice the chilled log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Can freeze for up to three months.

Keyword Cookies, Festive Treats, Holiday Baking, Pinwheel Cookies, Sweet Treats