Description
Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with buttery, tender dough swirled in red and green for a cheerful holiday treat. Perfect for cookie exchanges and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Red sanding sugar to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide dough into three portions: one left plain, one colored with red gel, and one colored with green gel.
- Roll each portion into rectangles of equal size. Layer the colored doughs on top of the plain dough, then carefully roll into a tight log to form pinwheels.
- Wrap logs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Slice logs into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with red sanding sugar.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough logs is key to clean pinwheel slices.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American