Save Festive, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
This recipe has been a holiday family favorite for years and brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For Coloring and Decoration: Red gel food coloring, Green gel food coloring, 1/3 cup (65 g) colored sanding sugar (red and green) optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt Set aside
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes)
- Step 3:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the flour mixture mixing just until incorporated
- Step 5:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions Leave one plain Tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green mixing each until the color is even
- Step 6:
- Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 9x6 inches (23x15 cm) to roughly the same size and thickness Chill for 20 minutes
- Step 7:
- Carefully stack the colored dough rectangles placing the plain layer on the bottom followed by red then green Trim edges to align
- Step 8:
- Tightly roll up the dough from the long side into a log peeling away the parchment as you go If desired roll the log in colored sanding sugar for a festive edge
- Step 9:
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm
- Step 10:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Step 11:
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) rounds and place on prepared baking sheets spacing 2 inches apart
- Step 12:
- Bake for 9 11 minutes until just set but not browned Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Save Baking these cookies has become a cherished tradition that fills our home with warmth and joy each holiday season.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Plastic wrap Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter) Colored sugars and food coloring may contain allergens check labels if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Calories 90 Total Fat 4.5 g Carbohydrates 12 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save These holiday pinwheel cookies are perfect for sharing and sure to impress at any festive gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the vibrant red and green swirls?
Divide the dough into portions and tint them separately with red and green gel food coloring before rolling and layering for vivid swirls.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to one month. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
- → What is the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the rolled dough log for at least 2 hours to firm up the structure before slicing and baking.
- → Are substitutions possible for the almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract or substitute it with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- → What texture can I expect from these cookies?
They offer a tender, buttery crumb with slight crispness on the edges, enhanced by the colorful sugar layers.