Save to Pinterest Festive, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
This recipe quickly became my favorite during the holidays as the colorful pinwheels always impress guests and bring smiles.
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 to Pinterest Baking these cookies has become a cherished holiday tradition in my family with everyone pitching in to roll and decorate the dough.
Notes
Swap colors for other holidays or occasions to keep this recipe versatile year-round.
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.
Save to Pinterest These cookies are a festive treat sure to brighten any holiday gathering and bring joy to your baking experience.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you get the pinwheel effect?
The dough is divided into three portions: one plain and two tinted red and green. After rolling each into rectangles, they are stacked and tightly rolled to form a log, which creates the swirled pinwheel pattern when sliced.
- → What is the best way to chill the dough?
First chill the rolled rectangles individually for about 20 minutes. After assembling and rolling the log, wrap it tightly and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.
- → Can the dough be frozen?
Yes, the rolled log can be frozen up to 1 month. When ready, slice directly from frozen and add 1-2 minutes extra baking time.
- → What ingredients provide flavor in the dough?
Softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and pure vanilla extract combine for a rich, buttery, and mildly sweet flavor. Optional almond extract can add a nutty note.
- → How long should the cookies bake?
Bake slices at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes until just set but not browned for a tender texture.