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Festive Valentine's Day Pinwheel Cookies

Colorful and delicious, these pinwheel cookies combine buttery sweetness with vibrant colors, making them a perfect treat for Valentine's Day or any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour A high-quality brand like King Arthur Flour will give the best texture.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise slightly.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances flavor.
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar Essential for sweetness and lightness.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
  • 10 oz unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract Go for pure extract for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract Adds a lovely depth to the cookie flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp food coloring Pick your favorite color, recommended vibrant pink or red.
  • 1.5 cups sprinkles The final touch that adds fun and festivity.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
Coloring the Dough
  1. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Knead in your chosen food coloring into one half, leaving the other plain.
Rolling and Chilling
  1. Roll each piece of dough between two sheets of wax paper until about 1/4-inch thick. Chill them in the refrigerator for 1 hour until firm.
Forming the Logs
  1. Once chilled, peel off the top layer of wax paper from the colored dough and lay it on the plain dough. Roll it tightly into a log and trim the edges for a neat finish.
Coating and Final Chilling
  1. Roll the dough log in sprinkles for that festive touch, ensuring it’s well-coated. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the log into rounds (about 1/4-inch thick) and arrange them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Cooling
  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best consistency. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.