Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

 Fun cookies to make with the kids.   With our without sprinkles, depending on what you prefer.

CHRISTMAS PINWHEEL COOKIES

(makes 2 1/2 dozen)

Cookie Ingredients:

*3 cups all-purpose flour (361 grams)

*1 teaspoon baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

*1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

*1 large egg

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

*Red & Green gel food coloring

Topping Ingredients (optional):

*1 cup sprinkles 

*2 tablespoons corn syrup 

*1 tablespoon water 

Cookie Directions:

~In a medium mixing bowl, whisk 3 cups (361  grams) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together.

~Set aside.

~In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

~Turn speed down to low, and add in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) until well mixed.

~Add flour mixture to butter mixture and mix until mostly combined (the dough should be soft but not sticky).

~Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces (I like to weigh mine, about 10 ounces each but you can do it by eye).

~Add red food coloring to one portion and mix until well combined (I do this by hand, so the dough stays soft).

~Add green food coloring to one portion and mix until well combined.

~Leave the other portion with no food coloring (I actually add white food coloring to mine).

~Form each portion into a disc and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

~Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until dough if firm.

~Roll each section of dough into a 6x13 inch rectangle.

~Stack dough with green being on the bottom, white in the middle, and red on the top.

~Roll the dough (lengthwise) into a tight spiral.

Topping Directions (optional):

~In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons corn syrup and 1 teaspoon water together.

~Using a pastry brush, brush a very thin layer of corn syrup mixture over the cookie dough.

~Sprinkle 1 cup sprinkles onto a plate or cookie sheet and roll the dough over the sprinkles, making sure all sides are covered (optional).

~Wrap dough log into tightly with plastic wrap again.

~Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Let's Bake The Cookies:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper.

~Using a sharp knife,  cut dough into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds.

~Place on cookie sheet.

~Bake for 13-15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool in cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes.

~Remove and cool completely on cooling rack.