Save Festive, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
This is a beloved holiday tradition in my family where everyone helps roll and decorate the colorful dough logs for a fun festive afternoon.
Ingredients
- For the Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For Coloring and Decoration: Red gel food coloring, Green gel food coloring, 1/3 cup (65 g) colored sanding sugar (red and green) optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt Set aside
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes)
- Step 3:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the flour mixture mixing just until incorporated
- Step 5:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions Leave one plain Tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green mixing each until the color is even
- Step 6:
- Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 9x6 inches (23x15 cm) to roughly the same size and thickness Chill for 20 minutes
- Step 7:
- Carefully stack the colored dough rectangles placing the plain layer on the bottom followed by red then green Trim edges to align
- Step 8:
- Tightly roll up the dough from the long side into a log peeling away the parchment as you go If desired roll the log in colored sanding sugar for a festive edge
- Step 9:
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm
- Step 10:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Step 11:
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch (0 6 cm) rounds and place on prepared baking sheets spacing 2 inches apart
- Step 12:
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until just set but not browned Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Save Baking these cookies together has become a cherished tradition creating warm family memories each holiday season.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Plastic wrap Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter) Colored sugars and food coloring may contain allergens check labels if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Calories 90 Total Fat 4.5 g Carbohydrates 12 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save Enjoy these cookies fresh for best flavor but they also freeze well for holiday gifting or later treats.
Recipe Help
- → What is the best way to achieve even color in the dough?
Mix gel food coloring thoroughly into each dough portion until the color is consistent and vibrant for clear pinwheel layers.
- → Can I substitute almond extract in the dough?
Yes, adding 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the plain dough portion enhances flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- → How should the dough be chilled before baking?
Wrap the rolled dough log tightly and chill for at least 2 hours to ensure firm slices that maintain pinwheel shape.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely, the dough can be frozen for up to one month. Slice and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple minutes to baking time.
- → What causes the sugar cookies to stay soft and not brown too much?
Baking at 350°F for about 10 minutes ensures the cookies are set without overbaking, preserving a tender texture and preventing browning.
- → How do I create the swirl effect in these sugar cookies?
Stack differently colored dough layers, trim edges, then roll tightly from the long side into a log before chilling and slicing for perfect spirals.