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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 149 reviews

Delight in these festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies featuring colorful red, green, and white swirled dough rolled in holiday sprinkles. Soft, buttery, and visually stunning, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. The recipe involves layering and rolling colored doughs into a log, chilling, slicing, and baking to create charming pinwheel patterns reminiscent of holiday cheer.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (150g) powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (353g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon of additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest

Coloring and Decoration

  • Red gel food coloring (5-10 drops)
  • Green gel food coloring (5-10 drops)
  • Holiday colored nonpareils

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough base: In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat well on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring sugars are well incorporated and the butter is aerated.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and any optional flavoring or lemon zest. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Mix dry ingredients and divide dough: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until combined and a dough forms. Divide the dough into three equal portions, approximately 1 1/4 cups each.
  4. Color the dough portions: Return one portion to the mixing bowl and knead in about 5-10 drops of red gel food coloring until the dough is uniformly colored. Repeat this step with the second portion using green gel food coloring. Leave the third portion plain (white).
  5. Chill the dough discs: Flatten each dough portion into a disc shape. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out.
  6. Roll out and layer dough: Roll each chilled disc on parchment paper into rectangles of roughly equal size and shape. Place the white dough rectangle in the middle, then layer the red dough on one side and the green dough on the opposite side, stacking them to form layered rectangles. Trim the longer edges so all layers align with even edges.
  7. Form the dough log: Using the parchment paper to assist, carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log, starting from one short side. Ensure the dough stays tight to prevent cracking. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until firm enough to slice.
  8. Coat with sprinkles: Prepare a baking sheet with holiday colored nonpareils. Remove the chilled dough log from the fridge and gently press it into the sprinkles, rolling it to achieve even coverage. Press firmly to ensure sprinkles adhere well to the surface.
  9. Slice and prepare for baking: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough log, trim off uneven ends, and use a sharp knife to slice into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Arrange cookies 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  10. Bake and cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until set and edges are firm but not browned. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For best results, keep dough chilled well to prevent spreading.
  • You can substitute different flavor extracts like almond or peppermint for a spin on the holiday theme.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering dough consistency.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Chilling the dough log overnight enhances sliceability and flavor melding.
  • If nonpareils are unavailable, finely crushed candy canes or colored sugar can be used as an alternative coating.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/christmas-pinwheel-cookies-recipe/