Christmas time brings with it a myriad of traditions, and baking treats for family and friends is at the heart of many festivities. One delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire is Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies. These cookies not only look stunning with their vibrant red and white swirls, but they also offer a sweet and almond-infused flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. This cookie recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa while watching your favorite holiday movie.
Why We Love This Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe
What makes these Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies particularly special is their simplicity combined with the charming presentation. The moment you slice into the log of chilled dough, the beautiful spiral pattern reveals itself, showcasing the festive colors in each cookie slice. These cookies are soft, buttery, and oh-so-deliciously sweet.
Moreover, the inclusion of almond extract elevates the traditional sugar cookie taste to new heights, making every bite feel like a warm embrace. You will find that these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth; they will also bring smiles to the faces of all who taste them. And let’s not forget about the sprinkling of Christmas nonpareils, which adds that extra touch of magic and merriment.
It’s the perfect recipe to bake alongside family or friends, creating memories in the kitchen that will last a lifetime. As you roll out the dough and stack the layers together, you’ll find it’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the togetherness and joy that envelops the kitchen during the holiday season.
Ingredients about Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
To create these festive delights, you will need the following ingredients, all of which you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- 3 – 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring (gel recommended)
- Christmas nonpareil sprinkles
These ingredients come together to create a dough that’s not only easy to work with but also produces a cookie that will leave a lasting impression during the holiday celebrations.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Directions
Baking these Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process that involves mixing, rolling, and chilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delightful holiday treat.
- Begin by creaming the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about three minutes. This step is crucial, as the incorporation of air will lead to softer cookies.
- Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time. Be sure to beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Following the eggs, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending thoroughly.
- Incorporate the salt into the mixture, and then gradually add three cups of all-purpose flour. Beat the dough until it is smooth and cohesive. If you find the dough is still too sticky to handle, incrementally add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Now it’s time to divide the dough. Split it evenly into two halves. With one half, add red food coloring until your desired shade is reached. Gently mix in the color until fully integrated.
- To roll out the dough, place each colored dough between sheets of parchment paper. Roll each piece into rectangles roughly ¼ inch thick. Aim for uniformity in thickness to ensure even baking.
- Stack the two rolled rectangles on top of each other, ensuring that the parchment paper is on the outside. This will help prevent sticking during the rolling process.
- Use a rolling pin to gently press down over the stacked dough, allowing the two layers to adhere slightly. Then, carefully roll the stacked dough into a log shape, ensuring you maintain the integrity of the colors.
- Once in log form, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making slicing easier.
- After chilling, roll the log in Christmas nonpareil sprinkles, coating it evenly. Rewrap the log and return it to the refrigerator for another three hours or overnight to ensure that it maintains its shape during baking.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into thin cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring to leave about an inch of space between each cookie for even baking.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, allow them to cool for five minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Each step leads you closer to the delicious outcome—beautifully swirled cookies that will brighten up your holiday gathering.
How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
Serving your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies is all about the presentation that complements their delightful appearance. Once cooled, arrange these cookies on a festive platter, perhaps adorned with a few sprigs of holly or candy canes for that extra holiday spirit.
These cookies make a fantastic addition to any dessert table during holiday gatherings, pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, and can also be packed as sweet gifts for friends and family. For an even more immersive experience, consider adding them to a joyful cookie box full of assorted treats and goodies.
Alternatively, you could use these cookies as part of a holiday dessert buffet, where people can indulge in a variety of homemade sweets while enjoying each other’s company. They are perfect for cookie swaps or as an accompaniment to holiday-themed beverages during cozy gatherings around the fireplace.
Expert Tips: Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
- Chill the dough: Properly chilling the dough is essential for achieving the best texture in your cookies. If you find the dough too soft to roll, don’t hesitate to chill it for an additional time.
- Uniform rolling: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure that your cookies bake uniformly. This will help prevent some cookies from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Food coloring: If you’re using gel food coloring, start with a small amount as it is more concentrated than liquid food coloring. You can always add more if you desire a deeper red hue.
- Don’t skip the sprinkles: The Christmas nonpareil sprinkles not only add a festive touch but also a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cookie texture. Make sure to fully coat your log before chilling.
- Flavor variations: If you want to mix things up a bit, consider experimenting with different extracts such as peppermint or orange to provide a unique twist to your cookies.
How to Store Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
Once you’ve made a batch of these delectable Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness and flavor for about a week.
If you’re looking to keep them for longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough. Simply wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variation of Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
While the traditional red and white swirls are visually stunning, there are countless ways to customize your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies to match your personal taste.
- Color Variations: Instead of red and white, try using green and white color combinations for a more festive appearance. Alternatively, you could go for a rainbow effect using multiple colors for a vibrant selection.
- Flavor Infusions: While almond extract brings a unique depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with other extracts such as peppermint for a fresh holiday twist, or even coconut for an exotic take.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an extra surprise, you can create stuffed pinwheel cookies by placing a dollop of chocolate ganache or fruity preserves in the center of the dough before rolling it up.
- Add-ins: Consider incorporating chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into your cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful that this will slightly alter the rolling and slicing process.
- Themed Sprinkles: Instead of traditional nonpareils, use festive holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter that correspond to the occasion for added flair.
FAQ about Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
What are Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies?
Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are delightful, vibrant cookies made from a sweet dough that features alternating colors, typically red and white, to create a festive and eye-catching swirl effect.
How long can I store Pinwheel Sugar Cookies?
You can store your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation, freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months and bake them later.
Can I use different colors for the pinwheel cookies?
Absolutely! While red and white is a traditional choice, you can customize the colors to match your holiday theme or personal preferences. Green, blue, or even a rainbow of colors can create dynamic effects.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Not at all! If almond extract isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with other extracts such as vanilla, peppermint, or citrus flavors to create a cookie that suits your taste.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and slice without sticking. It also ensures that the cookies maintain their shape during baking, giving you those perfect pinwheel swirls.
Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 - 3.5 cups all-purpose flour Add more if the dough is sticky.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- as needed Red food coloring (gel recommended) For coloring the dough.
- as needed Christmas nonpareil sprinkles For coating the log.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Incorporate the salt, then gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, beating until smooth. Add more flour if dough is sticky.
- Divide the dough into two halves. Add red food coloring to one half until desired shade is reached.
- Roll each dough half between sheets of parchment paper into 1/4 inch thick rectangles.
Assembly
- Stack the colored and plain dough rectangles on top of each other with parchment paper on the outside.
- Use a rolling pin to gently press down over the stacked dough, then roll into a log shape.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- After chilling, roll the log in Christmas nonpareil sprinkles to coat it evenly.
- Rewrap and refrigerate for another 3 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled log into thin cookies and place them on a lined baking tray with space in between.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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