– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Red and green food coloring
– ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:
1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves. Place one half in another bowl.
7. Color the Dough: Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other, mixing until you achieve desired colors.
8. Chill the Dough: Wrap each colored dough in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
9. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll each colored dough into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
10. Layer the Dough: Carefully place the green dough on top of the red dough, making sure to align edges.
11. Roll the Dough: Starting from one edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate again for 30 minutes.
12. Slice the Cookies: After chilling, unwrap the dough and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
13. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
14. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Dust with Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired for an extra festive touch.