Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

Make delicious Holiday Pinwheel Cookies this season and impress your family and friends! These vibrant cookies are perfect for any festive occasion, bringing a cheerful touch to your dessert table. With their striking red and white swirls, these cookies not only look delightful but also offer a delicious balance of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making them an ideal treat for busy holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Appearance: The beautiful red and white swirls make these cookies a showstopper at any gathering.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time, freeze it, and enjoy slice-and-bake cookies when you’re ready.
• Quick to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and raspberry creates a delightful flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for family gatherings, gift boxes, or holiday parties.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cookie-making process, gather your tools. This will streamline your workflow and ensure everything is within reach.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless and ensures a consistent texture.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These prevent sticking and make cleanup easier when baking your cookies.

Ingredients

To create scrumptious Holiday Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup (250 g) white granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon raspberry extract

How to Make Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Place the sugar, butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment.
2. Beat on medium speed until creamy and light in color (about 2 minutes).
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg; mix until incorporated.
4. Add flour gradually on low speed until no streaks remain.

Step 2: Color & Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two halves on a clean surface; set one half aside.
2. Return one half to the mixer, adding liquid red food coloring and raspberry extract; mix until uniform in color.
3. Divide each dough half again into two balls, resulting in four total—two plain and two raspberry.
4. Shape each ball into squares or rectangles; wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to one day.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Remove one piece of each dough from the fridge.
2. Unwrap one piece of dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper; roll into a rectangle (6 x 12 inches).
3. Repeat with remaining dough pieces, stacking them carefully on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble & Roll Logs

1. Freeze rolled dough sheets for about 15 minutes until firm but not frozen solid.
2. Remove one sheet of vanilla dough and one sheet of raspberry dough from the freezer; peel back top papers.
3. Flip raspberry onto vanilla dough so they are sandwiched together; trim edges as needed.
4. Carefully roll from long edge to form a log while peeling away parchment paper as you go.

Step 5: Chill & Slice

1. Wrap logs tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap; chill in fridge for at least two hours or overnight (or freeze for up to a month).
2. Preheat oven as directed (not included).
3. After chilling, gently roll logs to smooth edges; slice into rounds (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick).
4. Place slices on lined baking sheet about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake & Enjoy!

1. Bake until edges are slightly browned; transfer baked cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Enjoy your festive Holiday Pinwheel Cookies! Did you love this recipe? Please leave us some stars and share your thoughts below!

How to Serve Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

These delightful Holiday Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them to impress your guests.

As a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a large serving platter, alternating between colors for an eye-catching display.
• Add some seasonal decorations like holly or small ornaments around the platter for a festive touch.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair the cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of these drinks perfectly.
• Consider offering flavored options like peppermint hot chocolate to enhance the holiday spirit.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package a few cookies in decorative bags or boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Tie with a colorful ribbon for an added festive flair that makes them perfect for sharing.

At Holiday Parties

• Serve these cookies as part of a dessert table at holiday gatherings.
• Include labels indicating flavors so guests can choose their favorites easily.

How to Perfect Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your Holiday Pinwheel Cookies takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you make them perfect.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a creamy dough that blends well with other ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and cut into perfect shapes.
• Rotate While Rolling: When rolling out the dough, rotate it occasionally to maintain an even thickness and prevent sticking.
• Trim Edges Neatly: Use a sharp knife to trim the edges after layering; this ensures clean lines when you roll them up.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, they can be complemented with various side dishes that add variety to your holiday spread.

1. Fruit Platter: A colorful selection of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Cheese Board: A mix of soft and hard cheeses provides a savory contrast. Include nuts and dried fruits for extra flavor.
3. Mixed Nuts: Roasted or spiced nuts offer crunch and a salty balance against sweet cookies—perfect for snacking!
4. Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches filled with turkey or vegetables complement cookies nicely and provide heartier options.
5. Vegetable Crudités: Crisp vegetables served with hummus or dip add healthy crunchiness and color to your dessert table.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with melted chocolate where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces for extra indulgence.
7. Holiday Punch: Serve a non-alcoholic punch made from fruit juices and sparkling water; it refreshes between bites of sweet treats.
8. Savory Scones: Lightly flavored scones can provide contrast with their savory notes, making an interesting addition alongside sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Holiday Pinwheel Cookies can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling. If you skip this step, the dough may become too soft and difficult to roll.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale baking powder or expired extracts can impact flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Ignoring the thickness of slices: Slicing too thick or thin will yield uneven baking results. Aim for uniform thickness for consistent baking.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

• Wrap logs tightly in parchment or plastic wrap before freezing.
• Keep frozen for up to a month for best quality.

Reheating Holiday Pinwheel Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming cookies for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Holiday Pinwheel Cookies.

Can I use different colors of food coloring?

Yes, feel free to use any color of food coloring you like! This allows you to customize your pinwheel cookies for different occasions.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan version.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water or milk at a time until it holds together better.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Pinwheel Cookies are not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to suit any festive occasion. With the option to customize colors and flavors, they make a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and get creative with your own twist!