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.
The first time I made these pinwheel cookies, my kitchen was filled with the cheerful scent of peppermint, and rolling the dough was surprisingly fun. They quickly became a family favorite for gifting and sharing at our holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (315 g)
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (225 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Large egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Peppermint extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red gel food coloring: To tint half the dough
- Crushed candy canes (optional, for rolling): 1/2 cup (70 g)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Divide and color dough:
- Divide the dough evenly. Tint one half with red gel food coloring, kneading until evenly colored, and leave the other half plain.
- Roll out dough:
- Roll each dough half between parchment paper into rectangles roughly 9x13 inches (23x33 cm) and about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Chill rectangles:
- Chill both dough rectangles for 30 minutes until firm.
- Stack and roll:
- Place the red dough rectangle over the plain one, pressing gently. Starting from the long edge, roll into a tight log.
- Chill 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 canes for a decorative edge.
- Prepare baking sheets:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice cookies:
- Cut the log into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds, placing them 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake 10-12 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool:
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Save The kids love helping swirl the dough and sprinkle candy cane bits. These cookies are part of our annual tradition—everyone gets involved, and the results always bring extra smiles on chilly afternoons.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, rolling pin, chef's knife or sharp serrated knife, baking sheets, wire racks
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk. Check candy canes for soy or nut ingredients if using store-bought options.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 1 g
Save Enjoy these cheerful cookies with a mug of cocoa or pack them up as a homemade gift—they deliver holiday happiness in every swirl and crunch.
Kitchen Questions
- → What gives the pinwheels their red and white swirl?
The swirl comes from dividing the dough and coloring one half with red gel food coloring, which is layered over the plain dough and rolled tightly to create the distinctive pattern.
- → How can I enhance the peppermint flavor?
Adding extra peppermint extract to the dough intensifies the refreshing minty taste without overpowering the buttery notes.
- → Can the dough be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead, chilled, and even frozen for up to two months, making it convenient for early preparation.
- → What is the ideal baking time and temperature?
Bake the pinwheels at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden, ensuring a tender yet crisp bite.
- → Are crushed candy canes necessary?
Rolling the chilled log in crushed candy canes is optional but adds a festive decorative edge and extra peppermint crunch.
- → What dietary considerations are there?
This dish contains wheat, egg, and dairy. Verify any store-bought candy canes for additional allergens like soy or nuts.