There’s something magical about pulling a tray of peppermint pinwheel cookies from the oven, their vibrant swirls promising a delightful burst of flavors. The moment you bite into one, you experience that perfect crunch followed by a soft, buttery center, all wrapped in the festive aroma of peppermint. delicious strawberry crunch cookies It’s like Christmas wrapped in a cookie!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
- Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
- How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made these treats; my kitchen transformed into a winter wonderland filled with laughter and flour flying everywhere. There’s nothing quite like baking with family during the holidays—it’s an adventure that always ends with delicious rewards and a sprinkle of chaos.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint pinwheel cookies are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly festive
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- The delightful flavor combination of mint and chocolate creates a holiday favorite that everyone enjoys
- Plus, they are versatile enough for any occasion beyond just Christmas!
I once baked these cookies for a holiday party, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough, offering the right texture for delightful chewiness.
Unsalted Butter: Always use soft butter for easy mixing; it adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens your cookies perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences. nostalgic smores cookies.
Eggs: Use large eggs for best results; they help bind everything together and add moisture to the dough.
Peppermint Extract: Essential for that iconic flavor; choose pure extract for the best taste.
Cocoa Powder: Adds depth and richness; opt for unsweetened to maintain control over sweetness.
Food Coloring (Red or Green): A little goes a long way; this will make your cookies eye-catching and festive!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about two minutes.
Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in eggs one at a time, along with peppermint extract. Mix until fully incorporated—you want everything smooth and creamy without lumps.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while continuously mixing until combined; don’t overmix!
Create Your Colorful Layers: Divide your dough into two equal portions. Add food coloring to one half, mixing until you achieve your desired color—think candy cane vibes!
Roll Out the Doughs: On parchment paper, roll out each dough portion between two sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/4 inch thick. Chill these layers in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Assemble Your Pinwheels: After chilling, stack the colored doughs on top of each other carefully. Roll them tightly into a log shape using the parchment paper as help—don’t worry if it looks messy at first!
Slice and Bake!: Cut logs into 1/4 inch slices and place them on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
Now you have those colorful peppermint pinwheel cookies ready to dazzle at any gathering or cozy night in! Enjoy every flavorful bite as they warm hearts just as much as they do bellies. pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies.
You Must Know
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies are a festive delight, combining peppermint and chocolate for a treat that pleases every palate
- The vibrant swirls not only look amazing but also provide a burst of flavor, making them perfect for any holiday gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chilling the dough for easier handling, then roll it out between wax paper to prevent sticking. Layer the peppermint and chocolate doughs together before rolling for perfect pinwheels.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract with almond or vanilla for a different twist. You can also add sprinkles on top for extra holiday cheer or even incorporate crushed candy canes into the dough. For more inspiration, check out this Candy Cane Cake Roll recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. oatmeal carrot cake cookies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cookies, ensure your butter is soft but not melted
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading, while using wax paper aids in rolling
- Always slice cookies evenly for consistent baking results
Baking these Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies always brings back memories of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy; friends raved about how they were always the first cookies to disappear!
FAQ
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, chill it longer or add a little flour as needed.
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Almond or vanilla can be delightful alternatives to peppermint flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Christmas Mints recipe.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges; they’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these vibrant peppermint pinwheel cookies! Each bite reveals a delightful crunch, followed by a soft buttery center, infused with refreshing peppermint and rich chocolate flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition. Bring joy to your dessert table with these eye-catching treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red or green food coloring (as desired)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time and add peppermint extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide dough into two portions; color one half with food coloring.
- Roll out each dough portion between plastic wrap to about 1/4 inch thick and chill for 30 minutes.
- Stack layers together, roll tightly into a log shape, slice into 1/4 inch rounds, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
