Get ready to elevate your holiday baking game with these delightful Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These stunning treats not only taste divine but also look like a festive masterpiece on any dessert platter. With their rich chocolate flavor and beautiful swirls, they are bound to impress your family and friends this holiday season. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a batch in no time. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some sweet holiday magic that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Remove butter from refrigerator and let soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Ensure it's soft but not melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and cocoa powder to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and mix cocoa powder into the other portion until evenly colored.
- Place each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out into rectangular shapes, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Carefully layer the two dough colors on top of each other, gently pressing to ensure they adhere. Trim edges to create a neat rectangle.
- Tightly roll the layered dough into a log, starting from the long side. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough log from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place cookie rounds on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly set. Cookies will be soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.
Tips
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This will help achieve the perfect texture for your cookies.
- Mixing Technique: When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time! Aim for a light and fluffy mixture, which is key to soft cookies.
- Dough Rolling: Use parchment paper to roll out the dough; it prevents sticking and makes transferring easier. Roll evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring neat pinwheels.
- Baking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center and lightly set at the edges for the best texture.
- Dusting with Sugar: For a beautiful finish, dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving for that extra festive touch.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh and prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
