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Pinwheel Cookies

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Pinwheel Cookies are buttery, eye-catching swirl cookies made with layers of vanilla and chocolate dough rolled together. Soft in the center and lightly crisp on the edges, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1–2 tsp milk (optional, to moisten chocolate dough if needed)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain for vanilla dough.
  6. For the chocolate dough, add cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated. If dry, add a teaspoon or two of milk.
  7. Roll each dough between sheets of parchment paper into matching rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Peel off the top parchment sheet and layer the chocolate dough over the vanilla dough.
  9. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  11. Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
  12. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  13. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly for neat swirls and clean slicing.
  • For festive versions, swap cocoa powder for food coloring or roll the log in sprinkles before slicing.
  • Add espresso powder for a mocha flavor or almond extract for a nutty twist.
  • Store at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly while dough is still cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pinwheel-cookies/