Imagine biting into a soft and chewy cookie that bursts with flavor and presents a delightful swirl of colors. Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a holiday masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing like sugarplums in a winter wonderland. perfect holiday dessert The rich aroma of vanilla mingles with the sweetness of chocolate and the zesty hint of peppermint, creating a sensory experience that embodies the spirit of the season. classic cookie recipe soft and fluffy dinner rolls.
These cookies are more than just delicious; they carry memories. I remember the first time I made these with my grandmother. We rolled out dough and laughed as we tried to keep it from sticking to everything! Now, every batch reminds me of those cherished moments and fills our home with joy during the holidays. Whether it’s for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family gatherings, these cookies promise to bring smiles and satisfaction. For more inspiration, check out this delicious cookie recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
- With their vibrant swirls, they add visual flair to any holiday spread
- Each bite offers a delicious fusion of flavors that delight both kids and adults alike
- Plus, you can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings for added fun
I still remember my niece’s face when she took her first bite—pure joy with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A versatile base for cookies; sift it to ensure a light texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps achieve that lovely chewy consistency you crave.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to each bite.
- Eggs: Just one large egg binds everything together while keeping your cookies moist.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise; double-check your expiration date for freshness!
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor boost that enhances the overall taste.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to keep things balanced; it adds a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Peppermint Extract: For that festive flair, just a drop brings holiday vibes you can’t resist.
- Optional Sprinkles or Chocolate Chips: Customize your cookies with colorful sprinkles or chips for added fun and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking once you slide those beauties in.
Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look light and inviting.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract until well combined. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly at this point!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt together. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix!
Create the Dough Swirls: Divide dough into two portions: leave one plain and mix cocoa powder into the other half. Roll each separately between parchment paper into rectangles before chilling in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Pinwheels: Once chilled, place one rectangle atop the other carefully rolling them up tightly like a burrito! Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill again for at least an hour.
Bake Your Cookies!: Slice chilled dough into quarter-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned—your house will smell incredible!
Now you have these beautiful Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ready to impress! Enjoy them warm or share them with loved ones while spreading some holiday cheer! ideal party appetizer.
You Must Know
- Preparing Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies can become a delightful holiday tradition
- The vibrant colors and flavors will brighten any gathering, making them an instant crowd-pleaser
- Remember, the dough can be rolled ahead for convenience, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festivities
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough first; chill it while you gather your fillings. Once chilled, roll out the dough evenly, ensuring it’s not too thick to allow for easy slicing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Swap traditional jam for Nutella or add crushed nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you freeze them, wrap individually to maintain freshness and taste when thawed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted to avoid a greasy texture
- Roll the dough tightly to achieve clean slices that showcase vibrant swirls
- Always let the cookies cool completely before stacking them to prevent sticking
I remember the first time I made Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies; my kitchen was a whirlwind of flour and laughter as my kids joined me in decorating them. Their joy made each swirl of color more special. For more inspiration, check out this more festive recipes recipe.
FAQ
What kind of fillings work best for Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Jam, chocolate spread, or cream cheese frosting are all excellent choices for fillings.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight before rolling out.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking; this helps maintain their shape during baking.
Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the joy of the holiday season with these Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Each soft and chewy cookie features a delightful swirl of vibrant colors, combining the rich flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and peppermint. Perfect for cookie exchanges or family gatherings, these cookies not only taste amazing but also bring back cherished memories of baking with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Optional: sprinkles or chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions; keep one plain and mix cocoa powder into the other half.
- Roll each dough portion between parchment paper into rectangles and chill for 30 minutes.
- Layer one rectangle on top of the other and roll tightly like a burrito. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.
- Slice chilled dough into quarter-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg