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Holiday Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Holiday Pinwheel Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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