Okay, picture this: Is it It’s a snowy December evening, Bing Crosby is crooning on the radio, and the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. What is almond extract? It’s the Christmas baking season, and for me, that means one thing above all else.Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: What are some. They’re not quite as simple as your drop Sugar Cookies, but infinitely more rewarding. Is it like a hug in cookie form? Colorful swirl. I swear they disappear faster than I can bake them!Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: What are someWhat are some of the staples of our household during the holidays?Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: What are someAre a lot easier to make than they look and are so good!
What are pinwheel cookies?
Think of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: What are some as Sugar Cookies that got a serious upgrade. Instead of a simple disc, you have two layers of dough – usually a plain vanilla and a chocolate or red-tinted dough – rolled together to create a beautiful spiral pattern. It’s essentially a slice-and-bake cookie, which makes it surprisingly simple once you get the dough prepared. The name, of course, comes from the swirling design resembling a child’s pinwheel toy. They are so festive with the vibrant colors for the holiday season, and they taste amazing. Honestly, they are like little works of art that you can eat! My family loves them, especially my youngest!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this recipe?
- Flavor explosion: WhyWhat are some of the best sugar cookies? The combination of buttery dough, vanilla extract, and often a hint of almond or chocolate creates sour dough. What is a complex flavor profile? I’ve even experimented with adding a touch of citrus zest to the dough, which takes them to another level.
- SurprisinglyDon’t let the elegant swirl fool you. While they look impressive, they are actually pretty cool.Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: What are someAre actually quite simple to make. What is the most difficult part of rolling out dough and layering it? Is it easier to assemble an IKEA bookcase?
- Budget friendly You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. No fancy, hard-to-find items required. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something magical.
- Versatile:How do I make peppermint pinwheels? Add peppermint extract to one of the doughs. Craving chocolate? Use a rich dark cocoa powder I love experimenting with different extracts.
What I love about this recipe is the sheer joy it brings. The process of making them is therapeutic, and the look on people’s faces when they see the finished product. Is a product worthless? What are some of the best gift ideas for holiday gatherings? Cocoa on a cold winter night.
How do you make pinwheel cookies?
Quick Overview
What’s the recipe for sugar Cookie Dough? One), rolling them into rectangles, stacking them, rolling up like a jelly roll, chilling the dough. What is the best way to roll cookies, slicing it into cookies and baking? I know it sounds like a lot but trust me, each step is easy, and the end result is well worth the effort. Plus, the chilling time actually works in your favor, allowing you to break up the process over a period of time. What is the best way to spend What is a good recipe to get your kids involved with, especially when it comes to layering and baking.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the significance of
* 3 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached for a better flavor. * 1 teaspoon baking powder: What is the best way to make a good rise? * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. The butter HAS to be soft or it won’t work. * 1 cup granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon per cup. Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture. * 1 large egg: 1 tablespoon: What is the best way to use vanilla extract in a recipe? What is the best vanilla flavor?
For the Red Dough: What is the recipe for
* 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring gel: Is gel better than liquid?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid lumps. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: Start with less and add more until you reach your desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a lovely flavor.
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Is it necessary to line a baking sheet with parchment paper? How do I clean cookies? I always do this first so that my oven is ready to go when the dough is finished!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Whisking helps to distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring a consistent rise. Do you want pockets of baking powder?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well. Make sure the butter is truly soft, or you’ll end up with lumps in your batter. I always pull my butter out of the fridge before baking.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies as this can result in hard cookies. Mix until just combined and then stop!
Step 5: Divide and Tint Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain. Add the red food coloring gel to the other half and mix until evenly colored. I like to use gel food coloring because it doesn’t add extra liquid to the dough. What are some ways to go green?
Step 6: Chill the Dough
How do you wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes? This chilling time is crucial. It allows the gluten to relax, which makes the dough easier to roll out. Plus, it prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 7: Roll, Layer & Swirl
On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into an 8-inch rectangle. Carefully place the red dough on top of the plain dough. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably both. What is the best way to slice a roll?
Step 8: Slice & Bake
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut the chilled roll into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Step 9: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle them with the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving. I usually pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process.
What is the best way to serve it?
These cookies are pretty perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your presentation, here are some ideas:
- For Breakfast: Serve with a steaming mug of coffee or a chai latte. The sweetness of the cookie complements the bitterness of the coffee perfectly. I love to arrange them on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- For Brunch: These cookies add a touch of elegance to any brunch spread. Pair them with a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa. For an extra touch, add fresh berries and whipped cream.
- As Dessert: These cookies are a delightful after-dinner treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce would also be delicious.
- For Cozy Snacks: These cookies are perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book and a warm drink. Pair them with hot cocoa, apple cider, or a cup of herbal tea. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on road trips.
My family loves to dunk them in hot chocolate on Christmas Eve while we’re opening presents. It’s become a tradition!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is properly softened. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar but not melted. If the butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much in the oven. This is probably the most important tip!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading and for making the dough easier to roll out. I actually prefer to chill the dough overnight for the best results.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough out evenly to ensure that the cookies bake at the same rate. Use a rolling pin with guide rings to achieve a consistent thickness.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the cookies. A dull knife will squish the dough and distort the shape of the pinwheels. I like to use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thinner glaze, add more milk. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
- Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Add almond extract to the dough, or try using a different type of extract altogether. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Color Variations: Get creative with the colors! Use different food coloring gels to create unique and festive pinwheel patterns. You can also use natural food coloring, like beet juice or spinach powder.
I once tried to rush the chilling process by putting the dough in the freezer. Big mistake! The dough became too hard to roll out, and the cookies ended up cracking. Lesson learned: patience is key!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh longer if you add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies from becoming stale.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving. The cold temperature can dry them out slightly, so be sure to store them properly.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to wait until after they’ve been thawed to add the glaze. The glaze can become sticky or crack during freezing.
I always make a double batch of these cookies and freeze half of them for later. They’re perfect for unexpected guests or a quick and easy dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition. They’re a symbol of warmth, love, and the joy of the holiday season. They’re easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking for a cookie that will impress your family and friends, this is it. And, really, who can resist that stunning swirl? I guarantee they will be the star of any holiday cookie exchange. And the best part? They’re so fun to make! Get the whole family involved and create lasting memories in the kitchen. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday cookie recipes, like my classic Sugar Cookies and gingerbread men. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Sugar for rolling
- 0.5 cup Colored Sugar Sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, then add vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide dough in half. Add food coloring to one half and mix until desired color is achieved.
- Roll each dough half into a rectangle. Layer them on top of each other and roll tightly.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
