As the holidays approach, nothing says ‘festive’ quite like colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These cookies not only add a splash of color to your holiday table but also bring joy with their whimsical appearance and delightful flavors. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifts, or a fun baking project with kids, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients Overview
Flour
Why This Ingredient?
Flour provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape and texture during baking.
Health Benefits
While generally seen as a source of carbohydrates, using whole wheat flour can add fiber to your cookies.
Butter
Why This Ingredient?
Butter gives the cookies a tender crumb and rich flavor, essential for delicious tasting cookies.
Health Benefits
Butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function.
Sugar
Why This Ingredient?
Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their golden color and crisp edges.
Health Benefits
While sugar is best consumed in moderation, it provides quick energy.
Food Coloring
Why This Ingredient?
Food coloring is what brings the festive red and green swirls to life in these cookies.
Health Benefits
While food coloring does not offer health benefits, using natural food colors can be a fun way to experiment.
Recipe
Yield:
Makes about 24 cookies
Ingredients List with Measurements
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red and green)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients; blend with butter and sugar until creamy.
- Divide the dough for coloring.
- Roll, layer, and shape into logs.
- Chill, slice, and bake at 350°F until edges are golden.
Nutrition
Each cookie approximates 150 calories, with notable amounts of fat and sugar, reflecting their dessert nature.
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful addition to your festive baking repertoire. With their vibrant colors and sweet flavor, they’re sure to be a hit this holiday season!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2/3 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2.5 sticks Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Food Coloring (red and green)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Color one part red and the other green.
- Roll out each dough separately, then layer them together.
- Tightly roll into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.