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Easy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Deliciously festive cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie trays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, softened Ensure the butter is at room temperature.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg Beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Adjust as necessary for dough consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
Coloring & Flavorings
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring Use gel for best color without extra moisture.
  • 1 tablespoon green gel food coloring
  • 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract Optional for a candy cane flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Coloring the Dough
  1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
  2. Add red gel food coloring to one portion and green to the other, mixing until the colors are evenly distributed.
Rolling the Dough
  1. Lay the red dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a rectangle.
  2. Repeat the process with the green dough.
  3. Carefully lift the green dough and place it on top of the red dough.
  4. Using the parchment paper, gently roll the dough into a tight log.
  5. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Baking the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
  3. Place the cookie slices on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  5. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Ensure the dough remains cool while working with it to maintain its shape. Experiment with different color combinations for variety.