Introduction:

Pinwheel cookies are a delightful and visually stunning treat that is perfect for any occasion. These tasty swirls of colorful dough not only look amazing, but they also taste as good as they look! In this article, we will share the best pinwheel cookies recipe, guiding you step-by-step on how to make these eye-catching and flavorful cookies.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– Food coloring (preferably gel-based)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later use. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to fully incorporate the ingredients.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Slowly add in the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Once your dough is formed, divide it in half. Add a few drops of food coloring to one half of your dough and knead it in well until you reach your desired color intensity. If you’d like to create more than two colors, simply divide your dough into even portions for each color you wish to include.

Step 3: Roll out Your Dough

On separate sheets of parchment paper or silicone baking mats, roll out both halves of dough into rectangles measuring approximately 12×8 inches with even thickness. Use additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stack and Chill

Carefully lift your colored dough onto your uncolored dough rectangle, lining up the edges as closely as possible. Press down gently to help the dough adhere to each other. Once stacked, trim any uneven edges to create a neat rectangle. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Remove your chilled dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. With a sharp knife, cut even slices approximately 1/4 inch thick, creating colorful pinwheels as you slice through the layers. Place your pinwheel cookies approximately 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on your baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Conclusion:

That’s it! With these simple steps, you’ve created your own beautiful and delicious pinwheel cookies to enjoy! Serve them at a party, pack them in lunchboxes, or simply enjoy these colorful swirls of deliciousness with an afternoon coffee break. Happy baking!