Holiday Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any gathering. Their colorful swirls make them visually appealing, while the buttery flavor makes them irresistible. These cookies are not only fun to make but also offer a chance to get creative with colors and toppings. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they add a sweet touch to any holiday celebration.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Colorful and Festive Presentation
- Simple Ingredients and Process
- Perfect for Sharing
- Customizable Flavors and Toppings
Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Baking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients List
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red food coloring paste
- Colored sugar or sprinkles of your choice
How to make Step-by-Step
Fluffy Butter: In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then beat in vanilla.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, and salt and beat on low just until combined.
Divide and Shape Dough: Divide dough in half. Form one half into a 4- by 4-inch square, wrap in plastic wrap, and set aside. Return the other half to the mixer and add red food coloring until the desired color is reached, then form it into a square and wrap it in plastic wrap.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate both squares of dough for 30 minutes.
Prepare for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each dough square into 4 strips. Place 3 strips of red dough and 4 strips of vanilla dough on the baking sheet and refrigerate.
Roll Dough: Roll out a strip of red dough into a 6- by 7-inch rectangle and another strip of vanilla dough into a matching size.
Layer Dough: Carefully place one dough sheet on top of the other, aligning all edges.
Roll into a Log: Tightly roll up the dough into a log using the parchment to assist.
Wrap and Chill: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Repeat Rolling: Repeat with remaining dough strips to form 4 logs.
Chill Logs: Refrigerate logs for 1 hour, then roll each log on the counter several times to prevent flattening.
Add Sprinkles: Roll in sprinkles or colored sugar, rewrap, and refrigerate for 3 more hours until very firm.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on a baking sheet. Bake until golden, 9 to 11 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holiday Pinwheel Cookies on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie boxes or as gifts for friends and family.
Storage Tips
- Keep in an Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to two weeks.
- Freeze for Freshness: You can freeze the unbaked logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Bake when ready to enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Chill Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps with rolling and slicing.
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with other colors, such as green for a different holiday theme, or add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
- Yes, a hand mixer can also work well for this recipe.
What can I substitute for butter?
- You can use margarine or a dairy-free spread, but the texture may differ slightly.
How long do the cookies last?
- They can last up to a week at room temperature and longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the dough logs ahead of time, then bake when needed.
Closing Notes
Holiday Pinwheel Cookies are a fun and festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Their vibrant colors and delightful taste make them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you follow the recipe closely or decide to add your unique twist, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share them with your loved ones for a truly memorable holiday experience!
Holiday Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red food coloring paste
- Colored sugar or sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then beat in vanilla.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt and beat on low just until combined.
- Divide dough in half. Form one half into a 4- by 4-inch square, wrap in plastic wrap, and set aside.
- Return the other half to the mixer and add red food coloring until the desired color is reached, then form it into a square and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate both squares of dough for 30 minutes.
Rolling and Shaping
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each dough square into 4 strips. Place 3 strips of red dough and 4 strips of vanilla dough on the baking sheet and refrigerate.
- Roll out a strip of red dough into a 6- by 7-inch rectangle and another strip of vanilla dough into a matching size.
- Carefully place one dough sheet on top of the other, aligning all edges.
- Tightly roll up the dough into a log using the parchment to assist.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Repeat with remaining dough strips to form 4 logs.
- Refrigerate logs for 1 hour, then roll each log on the counter several times to prevent flattening.
- Roll in sprinkles or colored sugar, rewrap, and refrigerate for 3 more hours until very firm.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden, 9 to 11 minutes.
