A stunning addition to any spread of Christmas desserts, pinwheel cookies are buttery, crispy showstoppers! Pair them withlinzer cookies, spicy molasses cookies, or nutty pecan crescent cookies for the ultimatecookie plate. Feel like an at-home pastry chef with little to no hassle!
What are pinwheel cookies?
Pinwheel cookies are similar to a shortbread, but traditionally include two layers of dough rolled and sliced to create a neat pinwheel design. While vanilla and chocolate are a classic pairing, the cocoa powder can be substituted for a few drops of food coloring to create a different holiday twist.
Are there any tricks to a perfect swirl?
Taking the time to make two even layers when rolling out the dough the first time will set up these Christmas cookies for success. Use a bench scraper to clean up the edges before chilling. When rolling the two layers together, use the bench scraper again to gently separate the dough from the parchment paper, if it sticks, to avoid creating holes in the swirl.
What if the dough is cracking or sticking?
Patience and the refrigerator are the key to making these cookies. It's important to give the dough all the time it needs to chill, otherwise the dough will get sticky and make a lumpy, messy swirl. If the dough is cracking while being rolled, let it rest a minute until it's easily pliable but holding its shape.
How long can pinwheel cookie dough be stored?
Once rolled into a log, this cookie dough can be stored for up to two days before rolling in nuts or sprinkles, slicing, and baking. This is a trick to stay ahead of the holiday baking frenzy and still have freshly baked cookies!
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- Yields:
- 2 dz.
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 3 hrs
Ingredients
- 3/4 c.
salted butter, softened
- 1 c.
granulated sugar
- 1
egg + 1 yolk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp.
vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 c.
all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp.
baking powder
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp.
cocoa powder
Finely chopped walnuts or sprinkles, optional
Directions
- Step1Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, then mix on low until fully, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step2Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until fully combined and there are no flour pockets.
- Step3Divide the dough in half, reserving half in a separate bowl. Add the cocoa powder to the other half, mixing until no streaks remain in the dough.
- Step4Place each half of the dough on a separate piece of parchment paper and press into a 1/2-inch thick square. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the dough and roll into a 9-by-9-inch square. Chill both squares for about 30 minutes or until the dough is firm but still malleable.
- Step5Once the dough is chilled, remove the top piece of parchment paper from both squares and flip the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla, lining up the edges as much as possible. Remove the top parchment and trim the edges to create even sides. Carefully roll the dough into a log (like a jelly roll), using the parchment paper as a guide and peeling back the paper as it is rolled. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper to press the dough together firmly and remove any air trapped inside.
- Step6Refrigerate the dough for about two hours. If the log needs some reshaping, remove the dough from the refrigerator after 30 minutes of chilling and gently roll it on the counter to work it into a round cylinder. Return the dough to the fridge to finish chilling.
- Step7Preheat the oven to 375º and line two sheet trays with parchment paper.
- Step8Once the dough is firm, unwrap the log and roll it in your choice of walnuts or sprinkles. Trim the round edges, then carefully cut the log into 24 cookies, about 1/4 inch thick, using a sharp knife. Bake 1 1/2 inch apart on the prepared trays for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops look dry. Let cool for 2 minutes on the sheet tray, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
