Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: A Swirl of Festive Delight
Introduction
Celebrate Christmas with the captivating charm of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These lively, colorful treats are bound to add an extra dose of holiday cheer to your gatherings. Imagine the moment you’re greeted by this swirl of deliciousness, evoking the very essence of festive joy! If you’d like this recipe sent directly to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is nothing short of delightful, offering a perfect balance of ease and appeal. With their vibrant colors and playful appearance, these cookies aren’t just desserts; they’re an experience! Easy to prepare and kid-friendly, these pinwheel cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, who could resist that buttery taste combined with a hint of holiday sweetness?
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Red and green gel food coloring
– 4 tablespoons festive sprinkles or nonpareils
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk and spatula
– Rolling pin
– Parchment paper
– Plastic wrap
– Baking sheets
– Knife for slicing
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Looking to switch things up? Try using almond or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile. You can even incorporate cocoa powder into one of the doughs for a chocolatey twist. Want more festive fun? Mix in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mixing until just combined, then divide the dough into three equal parts.
4. Add red gel food coloring to one portion and green to another, leaving the third plain.
5. Roll each dough between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch thickness. Layer the dough, starting with plain, then red, and finally green. Lightly roll them together.
6. Tightly roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
7. Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll the dough log in sprinkles, slice into 1/4-inch cookies, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Allow them to cool on the sheets before transferring to wire racks.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these treats with a warm cup of cocoa, or serve them as a bright centerpiece on your cookie platter. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to loved ones.
Pro Tips for Success
Ensure your dough is well-chilled to make clean slices. For an even color distribution, use gel food coloring over liquid versions. And remember, a gentle hand when rolling the layers guarantees neat, precise swirls!
Storing and Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to freeze them, make sure they are well-wrapped. To enjoy later, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
FAQ Section
– Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 3 days in advance.
– What if my dough gets too soft? Pop it back in the fridge to firm up before continuing.
Conclusion
Bring the magic of the holidays to life with these beautiful and simple Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Share the joy by leaving your reviews, posting photos, or tagging #PinwheelCookies on social media. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Approximately 150 calories per cookie, with about 8g of fats, 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Celebrate responsibly!
