Peppermint Pinwheels Christmas Cookies
Peppermint Pinwheels are festive Christmas cookies with a crunchy peppermint flavor, vibrant red swirl, and sweet candy accents, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sifted confectioners' sugar, egg, almond flavoring, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine sifted flour and salt; blend thoroughly into the mixture.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Add red food coloring to one half of the dough and mix until evenly colored.
- Chill the dough until firm, about 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured cloth-covered board, roll out each dough half.
- Roll each layer gently until about 3/16-inch thick.
- Bake each roll tightly as for a jelly roll, then chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick slices and place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for approximately 9 minutes or until lightly browned.
- While still warm, brush the slices with egg white glaze.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and sugar if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute the peppermint stick candy with crushed candy canes for a more intense peppermint taste. If you don't have almond flavoring, vanilla extract is a great alternative. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly to make slicing easier and achieve the perfect pinwheel shape.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with hot cocoa or coffee. Serve them alongside other treats like Muddy Buddies Or 'Puppy Chow' for a delightful dessert platter. For an extra touch, consider drizzling white chocolate over the cookies or garnishing with edible glitter for a sparkling effect.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Peppermint Pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint Pinwheels Christmas Cookies contains roughly 69 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld together, making your cookies even more delicious when baked.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. It's also helpful to chill the dough longer, as this will firm it up and make it easier to handle.
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Absolutely! While red food coloring gives a classic holiday look, you can experiment with other colors like green or even a mix of both for a fun twist. Just ensure any food coloring you use is gel-based for the best results in achieving vibrant colors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).