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These holiday pinwheel cookies bring pure magic to any cookie platter with their festive swirls of red and white. I've spent years perfecting this recipe getting those spirals just right and finding the perfect balance of vanilla and raspberry flavors. The way children's eyes light up when they see these colorful cookies makes all the careful rolling worth it.
A Holiday Favorite
My holiday pinwheel cookies have become our family's most requested Christmas treat. While they look fancy they're actually quite simple to make with some patience. That moment when you slice into the chilled dough and reveal those perfect swirls feels like unwrapping a present every time.
What You'll Need
- Sugar: 1 1/4 cups measured carefully.
- Butter: 1 cup perfectly softened.
- Vanilla: 1 teaspoon pure extract.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon fresh.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Egg: 1 large room temperature.
- Flour: 3 cups measured then sifted.
- Food Coloring: 1/2 teaspoon red gel.
- Raspberry Extract: 1/2 teaspoon for flavor.
Let's Make Cookies
- Start with the Base
- Cream those ingredients until they're light and fluffy.
- Build Your Dough
- Add egg and flour with care for perfect texture.
- Create the Colors
- Divide and tint one half that beautiful red.
- Roll with Patience
- Take your time getting those layers just right.
- Chill and Slice
- Let the dough rest then reveal those lovely swirls.
- Bake to Perfection
- Watch for that slight golden edge they're done.
Success Secrets
The key to perfect holiday pinwheel cookies is patience with the chilling steps. I've learned that well-chilled dough creates the sharpest swirls. Don't rush the rolling either gentle pressure helps prevent air bubbles and cracks.
Make Them Your Own
These holiday pinwheel cookies welcome creativity. Sometimes I'll switch up the colors and flavors for different occasions. The dough recipe works beautifully with any extract or food coloring you choose making them versatile for any celebration.
Plan Ahead
One of the best things about these pinwheel cookies is how make-ahead friendly they are. I often prepare several logs and keep them in the freezer ready to slice and bake whenever we need fresh cookies. They're perfect for unexpected holiday visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the dough multiple times?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll. It also helps maintain the distinct spiral pattern during baking.
- → Can I use different flavors?
Yes, you can substitute the raspberry extract with any other flavor extract and corresponding food coloring.
- → How long do these cookies keep?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dough logs can be frozen for up to a month.
- → Why roll the dough between parchment?
Using parchment paper prevents the dough from sticking and helps achieve even thickness without adding extra flour.
- → Can I make these over multiple days?
Yes, you can spread the preparation over a couple of days, chilling the dough between steps. This makes it a more manageable project.
Conclusion
These beautiful spiral cookies combine vanilla and raspberry-flavored dough to create an impressive holiday treat. While they require time and patience for chilling between steps, the result is worth the effort.