Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful and festive treat this holiday season, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect recipe to try. These charming swirled cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty, combining the classic flavors of buttery sugar dough and a hint of cocoa to bring that merry spirit into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting sweet homemade treats, or spending cozy afternoons with family, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies offer a simple yet impressive way to share sweet holiday cheer with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, making it easy and accessible.
• Festive presentation: The spiral design adds a fun, colorful touch that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Kid-friendly activity: A great baking project to enjoy with children, encouraging creativity and family bonding.
• Perfect texture: Soft yet slightly chewy cookies balance just the right amount of tenderness and bite.
• Versatile flavor: Mild vanilla and cocoa flavors make it enjoyable on its own or with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Christmas Pinwheel Cookies lies in a handful of straightforward, essential ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one contributes uniquely to the dough’s texture, flavor, and iconic striped look, ensuring your cookies turn out delicious and visually delightful.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
• Cocoa powder: Creates the contrasting chocolate dough for the pinwheel effect and adds a deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder: Provides a bit of lift to keep the cookies light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.

Variations for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Feeling creative? This recipe invites personalization to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or holiday traditions. These easy swaps and add-ons can transform your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies into something uniquely yours.

• Spiced cinnamon swirl: Add ground cinnamon to the cocoa dough for a warm, festive twist.
• Nutty delight: Mix in finely chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and depth.
• Gluten-free alternative: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend without compromising texture.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a plant-based version.
• Festive colors: Use red or green food coloring in one half of the dough for a more vibrant holiday look.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, creating a smooth dough base.

Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Dough

Split the dough evenly into two portions. To one portion, stir in cocoa powder until you get a rich chocolate dough, while the other remains the classic vanilla dough. Chill both dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make them easier to handle.

Step 3: Roll and Form the Pinwheels

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into rectangular shapes of equal size. Place the chocolate dough rectangle on top of the vanilla dough, pressing gently to adhere the layers. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the combined dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic and chill again for 1 to 2 hours to set the shape.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough log into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while hot and helps the cookies maintain their perfect shape.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Chill the dough properly: Ensures easier rolling and clean, sharp pinwheel shapes.
• Use room temperature butter: Helps to cream the sugar evenly for better dough texture.
• Roll evenly: Consistent thickness leads to uniform baking and beautiful pinwheel spirals.
• Slice carefully: Use a sharp knife for neat cookie rounds and avoid squashing the dough log.
• Watch baking times: Slightly underbaking keeps cookies tender while overbaking risks dryness.

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle freshly sifted powdered sugar over the cooled cookies or drizzle with a simple white icing. You can also add colored sugar crystals before baking for an extra sparkle.

Side Dishes

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies pair perfectly with warm beverages like spiced hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or a robust coffee. Serving them alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit adds balance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a circular pattern on a decorative holiday platter to mimic the swirl design. Gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons or stack them neatly in a holiday tin for charming homemade presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay soft and delicious for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holidays.

Freezing

The dough log freezes beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

While store-bought dough can save time, making the dough from scratch yields the best flavor and texture for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, especially to achieve a well-defined swirl effect.

How can I prevent the cookie dough from sticking while rolling?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and chill the dough beforehand to reduce stickiness and make rolling smoother.

Are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! They store well, look festive, and make delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will love.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Yes, finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the dough for extra texture, but avoid large chunks that may distort the pinwheel pattern.

How long do Christmas Pinwheel Cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to seven days, making them perfect for holiday baking batches.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring together simplicity, charm, and delicious flavor in a way that feels just right for the holiday season. They’re fun to make, beautiful to share, and guaranteed to bring smiles around every table. So grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and create sweet memories with this festive baking favorite!

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