These vibrant Christmas pinwheel cookies offer a striking visual contrast to traditional holiday treats. They’re not only beautiful but also surprisingly straightforward to make, even for ambitious home bakers. If you enjoy colorful, slice-and-bake cookies that taste as good as they look, this recipe is for you.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
Pinwheel cookies provide a refreshing break from the usual red and green icing. By dyeing the dough itself, you achieve a clean, swirled aesthetic that’s both eye-catching and delicious. Plus, the dough can be prepared days in advance, making them ideal for busy holiday baking schedules.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
The success of these cookies relies on a few key components:
- Egg yolk: Adds richness and moisture, preventing the cookies from drying out.
- Powdered sugar: Helps maintain the dough’s shape during baking.
- Granulated sugar: Aerates the butter for a light, tender texture.
- Gel food coloring: Delivers intense, vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. High-quality brands like AmeriColor or Wilton are recommended for best results.
The Baking Process: From Dough to Delight
The process is designed to be manageable, even for bakers who don’t often make cookies from scratch. Here’s how it works:
- Make the dough: Combine butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Dye the dough: Divide the dough into three portions. Dye two portions bright red and green, using gel food coloring one drop at a time. Leave the third portion undyed.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate until firm but pliable. This prevents cracking during rolling.
- Stack, roll, and chill again: Roll out each color into rectangles, stack them, and tightly roll into a log. Chill for at least one hour to firm up.
- Slice and bake: Brush with egg wash (optional: roll in sugar), slice into rounds, and bake at 350°F until golden.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The dough can be made up to two days ahead of time and refrigerated. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to four days.
These Christmas pinwheel cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their striking appearance and delicious flavor, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.
