Easy Holiday Pinwheel Cookies Recipe: Festive Swirls of Joy

Sweet memories swirl through our kitchen with these delightful holiday pinwheel cookies that blend festive colors and delectable flavors.

Twirling spirals of red and white dough create an eye-catching treat perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Each carefully crafted cookie tells a story of tradition and joy.

The vibrant swirls promise delicious moments of pure happiness.

Butter-rich dough and carefully blended ingredients make these pinwheels an irresistible dessert.

Crisp edges and soft centers await you in every delightful bite.

These cookies will become the star of your holiday gatherings, bringing smiles and sweet memories to everyone who tastes them.

Holiday Pinwheel Cookies What Makes Them Festive

• Create stunning swirled cookies that look like mini works of art, perfect for impressing family and friends with your baking skills.
• Whip up a batch of these eye-catching pinwheel cookies that bring instant holiday cheer and excitement to any gathering.
• Swap out food coloring and extracts to match different themes or seasons, making these cookies incredibly versatile for various celebrations.
• Follow straightforward steps to transform basic ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal baking expertise.

All You Need for Holiday Pinwheel Cookie Fun

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and adds delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning and texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the base cookie dough.
• Raspberry Extract: Provides a fruity and vibrant flavor to one half of the dough.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Food Coloring: Adds festive color to separate portions of the cookie dough, creating a beautiful pinwheel effect.

Equipment for Colorful Cookie Spirals

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients are crucial.
• Parchment Paper: Perfect for rolling out dough and preventing sticking.
• Rolling Pin: Needed to roll dough into thin, even rectangles.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the pinwheel cookies.
• Sharp Knife: Used to slice chilled cookie logs into even rounds.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping and transferring dough.
• Freezer or Refrigerator: Required for chilling dough logs.

How to Make Pinwheel Cookies for the Holidays

Step 1: Craft Base Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter, vanilla, baking powder, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

Gently incorporate the egg, then gradually fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Divide and Color Dough

Split the dough exactly in half.

To one portion, add vibrant food coloring and raspberry extract, creating two distinct color variations.

You’ll now have four separate color/flavor sections.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough Layers

Take each dough portion and roll between parchment paper, creating rectangular sheets approximately 6×12 inches.

Transfer these delicate sheets to the freezer and chill for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Create Spectacular Spirals

Layer the vanilla and raspberry dough sections carefully.

Starting from the long edge, roll these layers into elegant spiral logs.

Craft two unique logs – one with vanilla on the outside, another with raspberry exterior.

Step 5: Chill and Prepare for Slicing

Refrigerate the spiral logs for 2 hours or ideally overnight.

This resting period helps stabilize the dough and enhance flavor development.

Step 6: Slice and Bake Cookies

Cut the chilled logs into delicate 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds.

Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Pinwheel Cookie Tips for Perfect Swirls

• Freeze dough rectangles for precise, clean spiral cuts and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even color without changing dough consistency.
• Use dental floss or sharp knife to create consistent, clean cookie slices.
• Let cookies cool completely on baking sheet to maintain crisp texture and prevent breaking.
• Add extra raspberry extract for deeper flavor in holiday pinwheel cookies.

Creative Pinwheel Cookie Flavor Ideas

• Chocolate Raspberry Swirl: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder in one dough half, keeping raspberry extract for vibrant color contrast.
• Gluten-Free Pinwheel: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, ensuring same texture and consistent rolling technique.
• Vegan Holiday Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and choose plant-based food coloring for dairy-free version.
• Citrus Spice Variation: Swap raspberry extract with orange zest and add ground cinnamon to create warm, festive flavor profile.

Serving Pinwheel Cookies for Festive Gatherings

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange colorful pinwheel cookies on a decorative holiday tray with mint leaves and powdered sugar dusting for stunning visual appeal.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, creating charming homemade presents for friends, teachers, or neighbors during holiday season.
• Dessert Table Star: Display cookies on tiered cake stands alongside other holiday treats, mixing different colored pinwheels for vibrant, eye-catching presentation.
• Cookie and Cocoa Pairing: Serve warm cookies alongside rich hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for delightful winter evening treat that sparks cozy celebrations.

Storage for Pinwheel Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer between wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Wrap logs or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Keep frozen for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best quality.
• Warm individual cookies for 5-10 seconds on low power. Check frequently to avoid softening or burning edges.
• Place cookies on baking sheet, heat at 275F for 3-5 minutes. Restores slight crispness and brings back fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

• What ingredients create the unique pinwheel pattern?

The base dough and colored dough are rolled into contrasting layers, then rolled into a log and sliced, creating the distinctive spiral design when baked.

• Can I use different extracts or colors?

Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or peppermint, and use food coloring to match holiday themes or personal preferences.

• How do I ensure my pinwheel cookies look neat and professional?

Chill the dough thoroughly between steps, use parchment paper when rolling, and slice the logs with a sharp knife for clean, even spirals.

• Why is chilling the dough important in this recipe?

Chilling helps the dough maintain its shape, prevents spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to blend, resulting in a more structured and flavorful cookie.

Holiday Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday pinwheel cookies bring classic Christmas cheer with their spiraled red and white design. Delightful swirls of peppermint and vanilla promise sweet memories you’ll treasure during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups (250g) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon raspberry extract
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational cookie mixture by creaming together sugar, butter, vanilla, baking powder, and salt until smooth and homogeneous. Incorporate the egg, then gently fold in flour until a unified dough forms.
2. Partition the dough precisely into two equal segments. Infuse one portion with vibrant food coloring and raspberry extract. Further subdivide each segment into two balanced portions.
3. Using parchment paper as a guide, meticulously roll each dough portion into a precise 6×12 inch rectangular shape. Expedite the firming process by placing the sheets in the freezer for a crisp 15-minute interval.
4. Strategically layer the vanilla and raspberry doughs. Carefully roll the stacked layers into cylindrical logs, initiating the roll from the elongated edge. Craft two distinct logs – one with vanilla exterior, the other showcasing the raspberry facade.
5. Refrigerate the cookie logs for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight to solidify their intricate structure. When ready, slice the logs into delicate 1/4-1/2 inch thick medallions.
6. Position the cookie slices on a baking sheet and transform in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden-brown edges signaling perfect doneness.

Notes

• Customize Colors Experiment with different food coloring shades to match holiday themes or personal preferences, creating vibrant and unique pinwheel designs.
• Enhance Flavor Boost raspberry extract with a touch of almond or vanilla extract for deeper, more complex taste profiles that complement the buttery cookie base.
• Prevent Cracking Ensure even thickness when rolling dough and chill thoroughly to minimize cracking during slicing and baking, maintaining clean spiral patterns.
• Storage Secrets Store baked cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers to preserve texture and prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 10.4 g
• Sodium: 69 mg
• Fat: 7.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23.1 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg