Festive Swirl Holiday Treats

Name: Christmas Cookie Pinwheels
Prep time: 165 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 180 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature.; 3/4 cup sugar.; 1 egg.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red food coloring.; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon green food coloring.

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These eye-catching holiday cookies feature three colors of dough rolled together to create a beautiful pinwheel effect. While they take some time to make, the impressive results are worth the effort.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:42 GMT

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A plate of festive spiral cookies, featuring red and green swirls, is arranged attractively against a holiday-themed background. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my favorite holiday cookie - Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! I love how these festive swirls of red green and white brighten up any cookie platter. They're not just beautiful they're delicious too and always bring smiles at holiday gatherings.

What Makes These Special

These cookies are real showstoppers with their beautiful spiral design. I love working with this classic sugar cookie dough because it's so versatile - sometimes I add almond extract or peppermint to make them extra festive.

What You'll Need

For the Dough: All-purpose flour for structure, just a bit of baking powder, a pinch of salt, soft room temperature butter, regular sugar, one fresh egg, pure vanilla extract.
For the Colors: Red and green gel food coloring.

Let's Start Baking

Make Your Base:: Mix your dry ingredients separately cream butter sugar egg and vanilla then combine.
Add Some Color:: Split dough in three color two portions leave one white.
Time to Chill:: Flatten into squares wrap them up let them firm up in the fridge.
Create the Swirl:: Roll each color layer them up make a beautiful log.
Slice and Bake:: Cut into pinwheels bake until just set cool on a rack.

My Best Tips

Always use gel colors they won't make your dough wet. Keep everything even when you roll for pretty layers. And don't skip the chilling time it's crucial for those perfect swirls.

Keep Them Fresh

These beauties stay perfect in an airtight container for about 5 days. Want to make them ahead? They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months just thaw before serving.

A plate of festive spiral cookies with red and green swirls is displayed. | recipesbyclare.com

Mix It Up

Try different extracts like almond or peppermint for fun flavor twists. You can even play with different color combinations or make each swirl taste different for an extra special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my swirls break?: Make sure dough is well-chilled but not too cold when rolling. Work quickly and use parchment to help roll.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?: Yes, freeze either the dough log or baked cookies. Thaw in refrigerator before slicing or serving.
→ My colors aren't vibrant enough?: Add food coloring gradually until desired shade. Gel colors provide more intense color than liquid.
→ Why are my cookies spreading?: Chill dough thoroughly between steps and before baking. Don't skip chilling times.
→ Can I make these ahead?: Yes, dough can be made several days ahead and kept chilled, or freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.