Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season! These cookies not only look festive with their vibrant swirls of color but also taste deliciously buttery and sweet. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a charming gift for friends. With their eye-catching appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies truly stand out during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning Presentation: The colorful pinwheel design makes these cookies visually appealing and festive.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different colors and sprinkles for various occasions.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve kids in the rolling and decorating process for a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Baking Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is not only about ingredients; having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer: Provides consistent mixing, making it easy to achieve the perfect cookie dough texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while baking on your sheets.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing your cookie log, preserving that beautiful pinwheel shape.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon Wilton red gel food coloring
– Red (white and green sprinkles)

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Fold in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it in half.

Step 5: Color One Half

Return one piece of dough to your stand mixer. Add in the red food coloring and beat until evenly colored.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Wrap each piece of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Remove from the refrigerator. Roll each piece between two sheets of parchment paper into 1/4-inch thick sheets.

Step 8: Assemble Pinwheels

Remove the parchment paper from each sheet. Place the red dough on top of the white dough, then roll up into a log.

Step 9: Add Sprinkles

Pour Christmas sprinkles onto a baking sheet or tray, then roll your log in the sprinkles until coated.

Step 10: Slice Cookies

Cut the log into 1/3-inch thick slices using a sharp knife.

Step 11: Prepare Baking Sheet

Transfer slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 12: Chill Again

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or freeze for about 10 minutes.

Step 13: Preheat Oven & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 14: Cool on Rack

Remove cookies from oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 15: Enjoy!

Once cooled, these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their colorful appearance makes them perfect for festive gatherings, and they pair well with many beverages and holiday dishes.

With Hot Cocoa

• Rich Flavor: The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich chocolate in hot cocoa, creating a cozy pairing.

As a Dessert Platter

• Festive Display: Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other holiday treats for a beautiful dessert table centerpiece.

With Coffee or Tea

• Morning Delight: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Thoughtful Gifts: Package cookies in clear bags with ribbons for a charming homemade gift during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a creamy mixture that will yield tender cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough is essential. It helps maintain the shape of your pinwheels while baking.
• Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness. This ensures uniform baking and beautiful pinwheels.
• Cut with Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will give you clean slices. Dull knives can squish the dough and ruin the design.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies; they should be lightly golden on the edges.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Consider serving them alongside:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Combine soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese with crackers for a savory balance.
3. Nut Mix: A variety of spiced nuts offers crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with sweets.
4. Mini Quiches: These savory bites are perfect as finger food and complement the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies with dip provide a healthy option that contrasts nicely with sugary treats.
6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet snacks are always a hit at parties and add diversity to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip refrigerating the dough, it may not hold its shape during baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Rolling the dough too thick: If your dough is rolled too thick, the cookies may not bake evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch for consistent baking.
• Forgetting to line the baking sheet: Baking cookies directly on a hot pan can lead to sticking and burning. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Oven temperatures can vary, so make sure yours is accurate. Use an oven thermometer if needed to avoid underbaking or overbaking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are colorful, rolled cookies that combine dough of different colors into a fun spiral shape, perfect for festive occasions.

Can I customize my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors like almond extract or incorporate other colors using gel food coloring for variety.

How do I store leftover Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Can I use gluten-free flour in Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Conclusion

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit any festive occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors and colors, making this treat uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with these beautiful cookies!