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+ servings
The Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
 

Delicious sugar cookies laced with almond and vanilla are crafted into a mesmerizing swirl and dipped in sprinkles. This bright batch of baked goodies is perfect for cookie swaps or Christmas gifts!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas cookie recipe, pinwheel sugar cookies
Servings: 4 Dozen
Author: Jackie
Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cups unsalted butter 2 sticks
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red and green gel food coloring
  • Sprinkles
Instructions
  1. Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla and almond extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Divide dough into 3 equal balls.
  6. Add red gel to the first ball and green gel to the second ball. Mix in the coloring until dough balls are completely red and green.
  7. Place one dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper or wax paper.
  8. Roll out into a ¼ inch thick piece. Repeat with other colors.
  9. Place each layer of cookie dough on top of one another and roll with a rolling pin slightly to sandwich together.
  10. Beginning with the long side, roll dough into a tight log.
  11. Pour sprinkles onto a rimmed baking sheet, and roll pinwheel log until the outside is fully coated in sprinkles.
  12. Wrap log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  13. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  14. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into ½ inch slices and place on a prepared cookie sheet about an 1 inch apart.
  15. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.
  16. Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.