Irresistible Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe to Delight

The aroma of freshly baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies wafts through the air, conjuring up memories of family gatherings and laughter. With their vibrant swirls of color and delightful flavors, these cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience that dances on your taste buds.

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that reveals layers of rich chocolate and sweet peppermint, all wrapped up in a festive spiral. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just looking for an excuse to indulge, these cookies will bring joy to any occasion.

I remember the first time I made these cookies; my family’s eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, leading to an impromptu cookie contest.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: The sweetness here provides the perfect balance to the buttery base.

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to our cookie dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; don’t skip sifting it for fluffiness.

• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor we crave.

• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together beautifully.

• Peppermint Extract: Just a splash will transport you straight to Candy Cane Land.

• Chocolate Chips: Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for added richness.

• Food Coloring (optional): Bright colors make these cookies festive and fun!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Prepare Your Dough: Begin by creaming together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, reminiscent of clouds in your kitchen.

Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add vanilla extract and peppermint extract for that signature holiday flavor.

Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into your wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold it until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—no one wants that!

Create Your Colorful Layers: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part as is; mix food coloring into the other until you achieve your desired vibrancy. Roll both portions into rectangles on parchment paper.

Roll It Up!: Place the colored dough on top of the plain dough. Gently roll from one end to form a log shape; be careful not to squish it too much! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm—about 1-2 hours.

Bake Those Beautiful Cookies!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your chilled dough into thin rounds—about 1/4 inch thick—and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they look set but still soft.

Now that you’ve made these irresistible Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, it’s time to enjoy every colorful bite! Whether you share them at festive gatherings or keep them all for yourself (we won’t tell), they’ll surely become a beloved tradition in your home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chilling your dough for at least an hour; this makes rolling easier and prevents sticking. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot when your cookies hit the baking sheet.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding crushed peppermint or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme; it’s all about personalization!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For optimal freshness, you can freeze them for up to three months; just thaw before serving.

Sharing these cookies at my annual holiday party was a hit—everyone raved about how festive and delicious they were. I even had a friend request the recipe on the spot!

FAQ

Can I use different flavors for my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use almond extract or lemon zest as alternatives to vanilla.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, chill it longer or sprinkle some flour on your work surface.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for a light golden edge; they will continue cooking once removed from the oven.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in the festive flavors of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, where each colorful swirl combines buttery goodness with the rich taste of chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies not only look stunning but also deliver a joyful burst of flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
4. Divide dough into two parts; leave one plain and color the other with food coloring. Roll each into rectangles on parchment paper.
5. Stack colored dough on plain dough and roll into a log shape. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into rounds and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 10-12 minutes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg