The festive season is upon us, and nothing brings the holiday spirit quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies wafting through your home. Picture this: a swirl of vibrant red and green dough, filled with the sweet embrace of jam, and maybe even a sprinkle of chocolate. These cookies are not just visually stunning; they also melt in your mouth like a holiday dream come true.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
- How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
- Can I customize the colors of my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
- Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies suitable for gifting?
- Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies :
- 📖 Recipe Card
But wait, there’s more! With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by a soft, chewy center that dances on your taste buds. These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are ideal for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Trust me when I say that once you make them, you’ll be the star of every holiday gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- Their festive colors make them visually appealing and cheerful on any dessert table
- With endless filling options, you can customize them to suit any palate or occasion
- Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them well beyond the holidays!
Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely crisp edge.
Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind the dough together perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a nice structure and chewiness in your cookies.
Food Coloring: Red and green gel food coloring works best to achieve vibrant hues.
Jam or Chocolate Spread: Use your favorite flavors to fill the cookies; raspberry or chocolate are classic choices.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Creating these delightful cookies involves several fun phases that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Making the Dough: Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it looks fluffy like clouds on a sunny day!
Incorporating Eggs: Add in two large eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly. Your mixture should look smooth and creamy at this point—like a luxurious buttercream frosting begging to be licked off the spoon.
Adding Flour: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our dough tender and loving, not tough like an old boot!
Coloring the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other. Knead each portion until well combined; you’ll end up with two vibrant balls reminiscent of holiday cheer.
Rolling It Out: On a floured surface, roll each color into rectangles about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—these cookies have character! You want them thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough for easy rolling.
Filling Time: Spread your choice of jam or chocolate spread evenly over both rectangles. Be generous but avoid going too close to the edges—nobody likes an oozing cookie disaster!
Rolling Up: Carefully roll up each rectangle tightly from one end to form logs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about an hour—this step is crucial for shaping those beautiful pinwheels!
Slicing Cookies: Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the logs and slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick—each one reveals that gorgeous swirl we’re after!
Baking: Place your pinwheels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for around 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges—your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic.
Cooling Down: Let them cool on wire racks before indulging; patience is key here! You’ll want that first bite to be as delightful as possible.
Enjoying Your Cookies: Finally, gather friends or family around (or not!) and savor these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with some hot cocoa or coffee. They are sure to bring smiles all around!
Now get ready to impress everyone with these whimsical treats that are as fun to make as they are delicious! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just delicious; they are a colorful addition to your holiday spread
- With festive swirls and delightful flavors, these cookies will impress guests and family alike
- Plus, they make for excellent gifts when wrapped in pretty packaging!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first. Once it’s chilled, roll it out, layer on the fillings, and then roll it up like a burrito. Slice and bake those beauties to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional fillings for your favorites. Try adding crushed peppermint, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist that reflects your personality!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your dough before rolling it to prevent stickiness
- Use a sharp knife for clean slices
- Experiment with different fillings to keep the recipe exciting and fresh!
I remember the first time I made Christmas Pinwheel Cookies; my kitchen looked like a flour bomb exploded. But when my family took their first bite, I knew I’d created something magical!
FAQs :
What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are festive treats that feature vibrant layers of colored dough rolled into a swirl. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also delicious, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. The process involves creating a basic cookie dough, dividing it, coloring the sections, rolling them together, and slicing to reveal stunning pinwheels. They often include flavors like vanilla and almond, adding a delightful taste that complements their beautiful design.
How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method helps maintain their softness and flavor for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. You can place them in sealed freezer bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a delightful treat.
Can I customize the colors of my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! Customizing the colors of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is part of the fun. You can use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues that match your holiday theme. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different flavor extracts in each layer for added interest. Whether you choose traditional red and green or go for a more whimsical palette, these cookies will surely impress your guests at any festive gathering.
Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies make wonderful gifts! Their unique appearance and delicious flavor make them an attractive choice for holiday treats. You can package them in decorative boxes or tins lined with tissue paper for a thoughtful present. Consider pairing them with other homemade goodies or including a handwritten recipe card for an extra personal touch that shows you care.
Conclusion for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies :
In summary, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their colorful layers and delicious flavors make them visually striking and enjoyable treats. By following the simple steps outlined in the recipe, you can create these festive cookies that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t forget to customize the colors and flavors to make them uniquely yours! Enjoy making and gifting these charming cookies this holiday season!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Discover the joy of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, featuring vibrant red and green swirls filled with delicious jam or chocolate spread. These festive treats add a colorful touch to your holiday dessert table while delivering a delightful crunch and soft, chewy center. Perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with loved ones, this easy recipe guarantees you’ll be the star of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp green gel food coloring
- ½ cup jam or chocolate spread (raspberry or chocolate recommended)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually mix in flour until just combined.
- Divide dough in half; color one portion red and the other green.
- Roll each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread jam or chocolate evenly on both rectangles.
- Roll each rectangle into logs and chill for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice logs into rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around edges.
- Cool on wire racks before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
