Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies: A Festive Delight

During the holiday season, few treats evoke the joy and warmth of Christmas quite like Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies. These delightful confections are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. With their vibrant colors and cheerful spiral design, pinwheel cookies bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday cookie platter. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these beautiful cookies, along with tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients List

To create these festive cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Red and green food coloring

Substitution Suggestions:

• Butter: You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan version.
• Sugar: For a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other, mixing until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap each portion of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Step 6: Roll and Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough into rectangles about ¼ inch thick. Place the green dough on top of the red dough and gently press them together. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the shorter sides.

Step 7: Chill Again

Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the log from the fridge and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie (based on a standard recipe yielding about 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on substitutions and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing taste.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar by 25% for a less sweet treat.
• Add Flavor: Experiment with almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies can be served in various delightful ways:

• Gift Giving: Package them in festive tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Dessert Table: Include them in your holiday dessert spread for a pop of color.
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies.
• Overmixing: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to three months. Just slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines visual appeal with delicious flavor, making them perfect for any holiday celebration. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these festive cookies that will impress family and friends alike. Try this recipe today, and share your feedback in the comments below or subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

1. Can I use other colors instead of red and green?

Yes! You can use any food coloring to create a variety of festive designs.

2. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.