The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies? Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that surprises you with swirls of vibrant colors and delightful flavors. festive peppermint swirl cookies The combination of sweet vanilla and rich chocolate creates a merry explosion of festive cheer in every bite.
Every year, my family gathers around the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we roll, slice, and bake these delightful treats. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished holiday tradition that brings everyone together. delicious Christmas fruitcake cookies Whether it’s for Christmas parties or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies are sure to spread joy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- The flavor combination is a delightful surprise that everyone will love
- Visually stunning with their colorful swirls, they add charm to any dessert table
- They’re versatile enough to adapt for various holidays or personal preferences
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my niece’s eyes lit up like Christmas tree lights when she saw the colorful swirls.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your dough perfectly; it helps create that delightful cookie texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; don’t skip this one!
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract; it enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient; sifting it helps avoid lumps in your dough.
- Cocoa Powder: For the chocolatey swirl; use unsweetened cocoa powder for balanced sweetness.
- Eggs: Vital for binding everything together; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise slightly while maintaining their soft texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by creaming together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, blending well after each addition. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients before mixing them into the wet ones.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing unless you want tough cookies—nobody wants that!
Create Your Swirls: Divide the dough into two equal portions—one plain and one mixed with cocoa powder. Roll each portion between parchment paper into rectangles about 1/4-inch thick.
Roll Up Your Dough: Carefully peel off the top layer of parchment from each rectangle. Stack them on top of each other with cocoa on top of vanilla. Roll tightly from one end to form a log shape, then wrap in plastic wrap.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the rolled dough for at least an hour or until firm—this makes slicing easier! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you wait impatiently.
Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice your log into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, let your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies cool completely before indulging in their colorful glory! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh—or hide some away for yourself! For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy caramel cookies recipe.
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies not only taste delightful but also bring a splash of color to your holiday gatherings! Enjoy sharing this sweet treat with family and friends as you create new memories around the kitchen table. sweet and salty Rolo pretzels Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just festive; they bring joy and color to your holiday table
- Their delightful swirls and rich flavor will impress everyone, from kids to grandparents
- Plus, the aroma of baking cookies fills your home with a warm holiday spirit
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and chilling it for easy rolling, then bake until golden. This ensures the cookies hold their shape and flavor during baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding peppermint extract or using different colored sprinkles for festive flair. Personalizing these cookies makes them uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the microwave or oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly swirled cookies, ensure your dough is even before rolling
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking
- Let the dough chill sufficiently to avoid sticky situations when cutting
Baking these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and flour everywhere. fun Grinch sugar cookies Her secret? Always add a pinch of love along with the sugar!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Yes, gluten-free flour can be substituted for regular flour without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent my cookie dough from sticking?
Chill the dough adequately and dust your work surface with flour to avoid sticking.
Can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! Just layer between parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Each bite reveals a soft, buttery cookie swirled with vibrant colors and rich flavors of sweet vanilla and cocoa. These festive treats are perfect for gatherings, adding charm to your dessert table while bringing joy to family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just mixed.
- Divide dough into two portions—one plain and one mixed with cocoa. Roll each between parchment paper into rectangles (1/4-inch thick).
- Stack the rectangles (cocoa on top of vanilla) and roll tightly into a log shape; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating peppermint extract or festive sprinkles. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; reheat if desired.
