why make this recipe
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a vibrant celebration of the season. With their festive colors and delightful flavor, these cookies bring joy to any holiday gathering. The combination of soft, buttery dough infused with rich vanilla and the crunch of colorful sugar makes each bite a festive experience.
Baking these cookies can also be a wonderful tradition for families. Children especially love the process of coloring the dough and rolling it into a log. It’s an engaging way to create memorable moments together while filling the house with the warm aroma of baked goods.
equipment needed for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
To make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you will need a few essential tools. These items will help streamline your preparation and ensure your cookies come out perfectly.
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
What You Need to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Red sanding sugar for garnish
How to Cook Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Step by Step
Start by adding the softened butter and sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat the mixture at medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the butter, giving your cookies a light texture.
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined seamlessly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. This combination of dry ingredients is important as it helps your cookies rise and adds flavor. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture while keeping the mixer on low speed.
Once the dough comes together, divide it into three equal portions. This is where the fun starts as you can add color! Using red gel food coloring, color one-third of the dough until you achieve your desired shade. Do the same with the green gel food coloring for the second portion. Leave the last third plain, representing the classic dough base.
Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling the dough is essential as it helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked. Once chilled, lay out sheets of parchment paper on your work surface. Take one colored dough at a time and roll it out into a square about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
After shaping each colored dough into squares, carefully layer them on top of each other. Start with the plain dough at the bottom, followed by the green and then the red layer on top. Once stacked, use the parchment paper to help you roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap the log in parchment paper again and place it in the freezer for an hour. Freezing the dough solidifies it, making it easier to cut uniform slices.
After the dough has been frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the log from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/3-inch slices. The pinwheels should display a beautiful spiral of colors. Before baking, roll each slice in red sanding sugar for an extra festive look. Place the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have space in between since they will spread slightly.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool ensures they firm up nicely without becoming overly soft.
how to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is a delightful process that combines simple ingredients and fun techniques. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment, making the process smoother. Follow the steps carefully, ensuring to take time when rolling and stacking the dough.
Coloring the dough is a great activity, especially if you’re baking with children. Once everything is prepared and the cookies are sliced, it’s time to bake them. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
This recipe allows for creativity and personalization. Feel free to experiment with colors or shapes. It’s all about enjoying the process of creating something special for the holiday season!
how to serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Serving Christmas Pinwheel Cookies can be made festive and fun. Display these cookies on a colorful platter or tiered cake stand to showcase their vibrant spirals. You can also wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for a charming gift.
To enhance your serving, consider adding small tags with messages or even the ingredient list for a personal touch. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk, making for a delightful snack any time of the day.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, these cookies can be a beautiful centerpiece on the dessert table. Their eye-catching colors make them star attractions, sure to delight guests of all ages.
what to serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and snacks. A steaming cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream enhances the cookie experience. For a nostalgic twist, serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or hot apple cider.
If you’re looking for something more savory, try offering a cheese platter. The salty flavor of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
In a holiday brunch setup, serving these cookies with seasonal fruits can create a refreshing contrast. Grapes, pomegranate seeds, or segments of orange will add color and flavor while emphasizing the cheerful holiday spirit.
how to store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Proper storage of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ensures they remain fresh and tasty for your enjoyment. Once cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. They can be layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to extend their freshness, stashing them in the refrigerator can help them last a bit longer.
For even longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, layering them with parchment paper. When kept in the freezer, they can stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature.
tips to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
To ensure your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps in achieving a smooth, creamy mixture.
When mixing the colors into the dough, use gloves to avoid staining your hands. It’s also a great time to get children involved in the baking process!
Be precise when measuring your ingredients, especially the flour, as too much can alter the texture of the cookies. For best results, use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Finally, keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Every oven is different, so they may bake at slightly different times than suggested. Once you see a light golden edge, take them out to keep them soft and chewy.
variation (if any)
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies offer an array of possibilities for variations. While the classic red and green colors celebrate the holiday spirit, you can easily change the hues to suit other occasions.
For Halloween, try orange and black. For Valentine’s Day, pink and white would create a sweet treat to share.
Moreover, consider incorporating different flavors into the dough. Adding almond extract instead of vanilla can offer a unique twist. Additionally, you might fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for extra indulgence.
These small changes can personalize your cookies for different events throughout the year, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
best time to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
The best time to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is typically in early December. Preparing them during this time allows for fresh cookies to enjoy as the holiday season progresses.
Baking them in advance means having delicious treats on hand for unexpected guests or holiday gatherings. These cookies can also make for delightful gifts when wrapped beautifully.
If you plan to host a holiday party, consider baking them a week ahead and storing them properly. This way, you can focus on other aspects of the celebration. Plus, the flavors can meld beautifully as they sit, making them even more enjoyable.
common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is overmixing the dough. After adding the flour mixture, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
Another mistake is not chilling the dough adequately. Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking, ruining the pinwheel effect. Plan ahead and ensure enough chilling time for the best results.
It’s also tempting to rush the baking process. Always check for the color of the edges rather than relying solely on the timer. Every oven is slightly different, so keeping an eye on your cookies can prevent them from becoming too dark.
nutritional notes (optional)
While Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. A typical cookie might have around 100 calories, depending on how thick you cut them.
They contain sugar and butter, contributing to their delightful taste but also making them a treat rather than an everyday snack. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider enjoying a small cookie with your favorite beverage rather than large servings.
For those who need alternatives, there are recipes available that focus on reducing sugar or using healthier substitutes while maintaining the festive spirit.
FAQs
Can I use different colors for the pinwheel cookies?
Yes! You can use any gel food coloring you like to match various celebrations or occasions.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last for about a week.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped log of dough before slicing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
conclusion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a fantastic holiday tradition that brings together the fun of baking and the joy of sharing. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors embody the spirit of the season, making them perfect for family gatherings or festive celebrations.
With a few simple steps, you can create these delightful treats and enjoy the process with loved ones. Whether paired with drinks, gifted, or savored during quiet moments, these cookies are sure to make your holiday season even merrier. Happy baking!
