Save Festive, buttery cookies swirled in vibrant red and white, with a hint of peppermint&a perfect holiday treat thats as beautiful as it is delicious.
I first made these cookies as a fun activity with my kids, and their excitement watching the swirl pattern appear was unforgettable. Now, every December these pinwheel cookies are a must-make in our home.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Coloring & Decoration: Red gel food coloring, 1/2 cup (70 g) crushed candy canes (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg & Extracts:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
- Mix Dry to Wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Divide & Color Dough:
- Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Tint one portion with red gel food coloring, kneading until evenly colored. Leave the other portion plain.
- Roll Out Dough:
- Roll each dough half between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles approximately 9x13 inches (23x33 cm) and about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Chill Dough:
- Chill both rectangles for 30 minutes until firm.
- Layer & Roll Log:
- Peel off the top parchment from each dough. Place the red dough rectangle over the plain one, aligning edges. Gently press together. Starting from the long end, use the parchment paper to help tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap the log in parchment and chill for at least 1.5 hours, until firm.
- Decorate Log (Optional):
- Roll the chilled log in crushed candy cane pieces for a decorative edge.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice & Arrange Cookies:
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake Cookies:
- Bake 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool:
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Save Every year, my family gathers to make these pinwheel cookies, with everyone helping to roll, slice, and decorate. Theyve become a sweet tradition that sparks laughter and togetherness every holiday season.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, rolling pin, chefs knife or sharp serrated knife, baking sheets, wire racks
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy). If using store-bought candy canes, allergens such as soy or nuts may be present.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 1 g
Save Serve these gorgeous cookies with hot cocoa, or package them up as edible gifts for friends. Their festive swirl and peppermint taste bring instant joy.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I achieve the vibrant red swirl?
Mix red gel food coloring thoroughly into half of the dough for an even, bright hue before layering and rolling.
- → Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Yes, almond extract works well for a different twist while maintaining a sweet aroma.
- → Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and slice, helping the pinwheels maintain their shape during baking.
- → What’s the purpose of rolling the dough in crushed candy canes?
It adds a decorative, crunchy peppermint edge that enhances both flavor and presentation.
- → How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer preservation.
- → Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 months before baking without compromising texture or flavor.