Pinwheel cookies are a delightful treat that combines two flavors in one visually striking design. With a buttery, crisp base and colorful swirls, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or when you want to impress your guests with something special.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for the chocolate swirl)
- Red or green food coloring (optional, for festive swirls)
Preparation
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. - Add Egg and Extracts:
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated. You should have a soft dough at this point. - Divide the Dough:
• Divide the dough into two equal portions. Keep one portion as is, and to the other portion, add the cocoa powder. Mix until the dough is fully combined and chocolatey. - Add Color (Optional):
• If you’d like to make the cookies festive, divide the plain dough into smaller portions and tint them with food coloring to create red, green, or any colors you desire. - Roll Out the Dough:
• Place each dough portion between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Roll each portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. You want both doughs to be approximately the same size so they will roll together easily. - Assemble the Pinwheels:
• Carefully peel the top layer of wax paper from one dough rectangle. Place the second dough rectangle on top, aligning the edges. Gently press them together. Roll the dough into a log, starting from one edge to create a tight cylinder. Make sure the colors are visible as swirls. - Chill the Dough:
• Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This helps to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking. - Slice the Cookies:
• Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will be soft but will firm up as they cool. - Cool the Cookies:
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Rolling the Dough: Be gentle when rolling out the dough so the layers stay intact. If it’s too soft, chill it for an additional 10-15 minutes before rolling.
- Chill Time: Chilling the dough before slicing helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures the pinwheel pattern holds together well during baking.
- Variation: You can also experiment with different flavors for the dough, like adding a bit of orange zest to the plain dough for a citrusy twist or cinnamon to the chocolate dough for a spiced flavor.
Optional Coating
For an extra special touch, you can dip the cooled pinwheel cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle them with icing.
- Chocolate Dipping: Melt 4 ounces of chocolate chips or chunks and dip the cookies halfway. Let them set on parchment paper.
- Icing: For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Storage
Store pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the dough before slicing and baking, and bake directly from frozen for a quick treat!
Final Thoughts
Pinwheel cookies are a fun and creative way to enjoy classic cookie dough. With their striking appearance and delightful taste, they’re perfect for special occasions, holiday celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Enjoy baking these colorful, buttery cookies with your friends and family!