There's something undeniably delightful about the moment you slice into a fresh batch of Pinwheel Cookies. The sight of vibrant red and green swirls, dusted with sparkling sanding sugar, instantly brings back memories of cozy holiday gatherings. As I prepared this recipe, I could hardly contain my excitement, imagining how these festive treats would brighten up any occasion—whether it's a family get-together or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.
I remember the joy of making these colorful creations with loved ones, laughter and sweet aromas filling the kitchen. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can transform simple cookie dough into a stunning visual treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. These cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfectly buttery, slightly sweet, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Join me in diving into this delightful recipe that will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You'll Love This Pinwheel Cookies
- These Pinwheel Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the baking process without any stress.
- Their vibrant colors and the festive swirl design create a visual appeal that will impress your guests.
- The delightful buttery flavor combined with a hint of sweetness makes them a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will adore.
- Plus, these cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed during any season or occasion, making them a perfect addition to your dessert table.
Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients
• To create your masterpiece, gather these essential ingredients.
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – ⅔ cup, softened for a rich, creamy base that creates the perfect texture.
- Sugar – ⅔ cup, adding sweetness and aiding in achieving that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Egg – 1 large, providing moisture and binding the ingredients together for a delightful chew.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for a warm flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.
- All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups, the backbone of the dough, ensuring a sturdy yet tender cookie.
- Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the existing flavors.
- Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon, helping the cookies rise to a perfect thickness.
For the Color
- Red gel food coloring – A few drops, giving your cookies a festive pop that enhances your Pinwheel Cookies' visual appeal.
- Green gel food coloring – A few drops, adding a refreshing contrast to the vibrant red swirls.
For Garnishing
- Red sanding sugar – For a sparkling finish that makes these cookies look as delightful as they taste!
How to Make Pinwheel Cookies
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Cream Together: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes. Keep mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, a lovely pale yellow color.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Blend well, ensuring you scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients.
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Prepare Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined, avoiding over-mixing to keep the cookies light and tender.
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Color the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Carefully color one portion red, one green, and leave the last one plain. Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues.
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Chill the Dough: Shape each colored dough into a ball. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill for about 1 hour to firm them up, making them easier to roll out.
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Roll Out Dough: After chilling, roll each dough ball between parchment paper into 7-inch squares. Chill the rolled-out squares again for 15 minutes to maintain their shape.
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Layer and Roll: Stack the red, green, and plain layers in that order. Roll them tightly into a 12×8-inch rectangle, ensuring the colors swirl beautifully together.
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Chill Again: Once rolled, remove the top parchment paper. Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Wrap in plastic and freeze for 1 hour to firm up for slicing.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy transfer.
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Slice the Cookies: Remove the dough log from the freezer and slice it into ⅓-inch cookies. Roll the edges in red sanding sugar for a festive touch.
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Bake Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until they are set and slightly golden.
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Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their shape.
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Store Cookies: Once cooled, store your delightful Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pinwheel Cookies Variations
Feel free to bring your own flair to these gorgeous Pinwheel Cookies; customization is where the fun begins!
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Chocolate Swirls: Add cocoa powder to one portion of the dough for rich chocolate layers that blend delightfully with the original flavors. Imagine the bliss of biting into a chocolate-red-green whirl!
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of unsalted butter for a nut-free alternative without sacrificing creaminess. Your cookies will still be soft and satisfying with every bite!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities—these cookies will still keep their colorful charm and delightful texture.
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Mint Flavor: Incorporate peppermint extract into the green dough for a refreshing minty twist. They’ll give you that winter wonderland vibe, adding a refreshing zing to your treats.
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Sprinkle Surprise: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter to the dough before rolling to give your cookies an extra touch of celebration. Kids and adults alike will love the colorful crunch!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a deliciously dairy-free version that maintains the cookies' moisture and flavor.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries into the plain dough for a sweet, chewy surprise that complements the colorful swirls beautifully.
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Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that will make your kitchen smell incredible as the cookies bake. Enjoy the cozy vibe they bring!
How to Store and Freeze Pinwheel Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep uneaten Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure they are well-wrapped to avoid dryness and absorb odors from the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze wrapped Pinwheel Cookies for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the log before freezing; this allows for easy thawing and quick treats whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through—this revives their delightful texture and flavor!
What to Serve with Pinwheel Cookies?
These vibrant cookies are the perfect treat to elevate any gathering, bringing joy and color to your dessert table.
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Warm Milk: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their buttery flavors.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor of a steaming cup complements the cookies’ sweetness, creating a cozy treat for chilly days.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: The warm, robust flavors of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea create a delightful contrast, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these colorful cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s simply unforgettable.
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Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies with other holiday treats like gingerbread men and peppermint bark for a beautiful dessert spread.
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Lemonade: For a refreshing twist, try pairing with homemade lemonade to balance the cookies' sweetness, perfect for warm days.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies into a rich chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that guests will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Pinwheel Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough components up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you reach the point of rolling the three dough layers together. Instead of baking right away, wrap the formed log in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you're ready to slice and bake. For longer storage, you can freeze the log for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, simply slice the dough while it’s still slightly frozen for clean edges, then roll in red sanding sugar and bake as directed. This way, you can have fresh Pinwheel Cookies on hand with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Pinwheel Cookies have the perfect texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve that light, fluffy mixture when creaming with sugar.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired tenderness.
- When coloring your dough, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant hues without altering the dough's consistency.
- Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time; cookies are done when they are just set and slightly golden to prevent them from becoming too hard.
Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ingredients for Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your butter is softened, not melted; this allows it to cream nicely with sugar. The egg should be large and at room temperature for the best incorporation. When choosing flour, all-purpose will work perfectly—just ensure it's fresh for the best texture.
How should I store my Pinwheel Cookies?
Very! To keep your Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, placing them in the fridge allows them to stay good for up to a week, but be sure they are well-wrapped to avoid dryness.
Can I freeze my Pinwheel Cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the wrapped dough log for up to 3 months. I often recommend slicing the log before freezing, so you can grab just the number of cookies you want to thaw. To thaw, simply let the slices sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes or bake from frozen for an additional minute or two.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Don't worry! If your cookies spread more than expected, it could be due to overly soft dough. Make sure to chill the dough adequately before slicing and baking. If you notice the dough feels too warm while cutting, pop it back in the fridge for an extra 10 minutes. Additionally, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly, as excess can affect the texture.
Are Pinwheel Cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
Great question! While these cookies are delicious for humans, they are not suitable for pets due to the sugar and butter content. If someone has egg allergies, consider using a flaxseed or applesauce substitute, but the overall texture may vary slightly. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients for potential allergens.
How long do the Pinwheel Cookies stay fresh?
The more the merrier! When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Pinwheel Cookies will remain fresh for about 3 days. If you choose to stash them in the fridge, they can last up to a week, but remember to keep them well-wrapped. If you freeze them, simply follow the instructions above, and they’ll be good to go for 3 months!
Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract and blend well, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda together.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Color one portion red, one green, and leave one plain.
- Shape into balls, wrap in plastic, and chill for about 1 hour.
- Roll each dough ball between parchment paper into 7-inch squares, and chill again for 15 minutes.
- Stack the colored layers in order—red, green, and plain—and roll into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
- Remove the top parchment, roll the dough lengthwise into a log, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough log into ⅓-inch cookies and roll the edges in red sanding sugar.
- Bake the cookies on prepared sheets for 8–10 minutes until set and slightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh and delicious.
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