Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With vibrant red and green dough rolled together, these cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. The buttery, sweet flavor is complemented by the cheerful colors, making them a holiday favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red and green food coloring

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two halves. Tint one half with red food coloring and the other half with green food coloring.
6. Roll out each colored dough into a rectangle shape.
7. Place the red dough rectangle on top of the green dough and roll tightly into a log shape.
8. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them on baking sheets.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Shape variations: Instead of rolling the dough into a log, you can shape the dough into other festive shapes like stars or hearts after rolling them out.
• Flavor twists: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for an extra flavor dimension.
• Frosting: After baking, top the cookies with a thin layer of royal icing or glaze for an added touch of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough log before slicing it, keeping it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Reheating: Reheat cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their softness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
2. Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
   Absolutely! A stand mixer can help cream the butter and sugar and mix in the dry ingredients.
3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
   If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust the surface with flour or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
4. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
   Yes, the cookies can still be made without the food coloring for a simple, classic look.
5. What can I use instead of butter?
   You can substitute butter with margarine or vegetable shortening for a similar texture, but the flavor may vary slightly.
6. Can I add sprinkles to the dough?
   Yes, you can add nonpareils or colored sprinkles to the dough before rolling to enhance the festive look.
7. How thin should I roll out the dough?
   Aim for a 1/4-inch thickness when rolling out the dough for the perfect cookie consistency.
8. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
9. What if my cookies are too soft after baking?
   If the cookies are too soft, allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.
10. How can I make the cookies more festive?
    You can decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles, frosting, or edible glitter to make them more festive for the holidays.

Conclusion

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a vibrant, delicious treat perfect for spreading holiday cheer. With their simple ingredients and colorful appearance, they are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition. Whether enjoyed with family or given as gifts, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them.

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