Patriotic Pinwheel Cookies

Celebrate Independence Day with these vibrant Patriotic Pinwheel Cookies. Featuring swirls of red, white, and blue, these sugar cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously soft and buttery. Perfect for 4th of July gatherings, picnics, or any festive occasion, they are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of patriotism to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: The red, white, and blue swirls make these cookies a standout at any patriotic celebration.
• Delicious Flavor: A classic sugar cookie base ensures a sweet and satisfying treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when needed.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Rolling and slicing the dough is a fun activity for children.
• Versatile: Easily adapt the colors for other holidays or themes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Red gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring
• Optional: patriotic sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion uncolored (white). Add red gel food coloring to one portion and blue gel food coloring to another, mixing each until the desired color is achieved.
6. Chill Dough: Shape each colored dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough portion into a rectangle of equal size and thickness.
8. Assemble Layers: Place the red dough on a piece of parchment paper. Carefully layer the white dough on top, followed by the blue dough, aligning the edges.
9. Form Log: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the layered dough into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
10. Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
11. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1.5 hours
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Color Customization: Use different food coloring to match other holiday themes.
• Sprinkle Edges: Roll the dough log in patriotic sprinkles before slicing for added texture and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough log for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred as it provides more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.

How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling?

Ensure the dough is adequately chilled but not too cold. If it cracks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can use wax paper for rolling the dough, but for baking, it’s best to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Can I add sprinkles to the cookies?

Absolutely! Rolling the dough log in sprinkles before slicing adds a festive touch.

How thick should I slice the cookies?

Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure even baking and a good texture.

Can I use a different flavor extract?

Yes, almond or lemon extract can be used in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to maintain the distinct swirl pattern.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled. Divide the dough accordingly and proceed with the same steps.

Are these cookies suitable for mailing?

Yes, once baked and cooled, these cookies are sturdy enough to be packaged and mailed.

Conclusion

Patriotic Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful addition to any 4th of July celebration. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, while the straightforward preparation ensures a stress-free baking experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to enjoy a festive treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

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