Cinnamon Pinwheel Cookies

These Cinnamon Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. The buttery cookie dough is swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, making every bite taste like a slice of cinnamon roll heaven. Perfect for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Did You Know?

Rolling the dough tightly ensures a well-defined swirl in the cookies. Chilling the rolled dough makes it easier to slice evenly, so your cookies look picture-perfect every time.

Yield
Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Roll Out the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 9x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Add the Cinnamon Filling:
Brush the melted butter over each rectangle of dough.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.

Roll and Chill:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes, until firm.

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Slice and Bake:
Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/4-inch-thick cookies. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 160, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 22g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: 22g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4.5g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 50mg, Sugars: 13g

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Plan Ahead: Make the dough a day in advance to save time during busy holiday baking.
2. Butter Temperature: Use room-temperature butter for a smooth, creamy dough.
3. Tight Swirls: Roll the dough tightly for clean, defined pinwheel swirls.
4. Even Slicing: Use a serrated knife for clean, uniform slices.
5. Prevent Stickiness: Flour the surface and rolling pin lightly to prevent the dough from sticking.
6. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
7. Freeze Before Baking: Keep one log frozen and bake fresh cookies as needed throughout the holiday season.
8. Alternative Fillings: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture.
9. Perfect Glaze: Test the glaze on a single cookie first to adjust consistency before decorating all.
10. Reusable Piping Bags: Use a resealable plastic bag with a snipped corner for an easy, budget-friendly piping bag.

Let’s Learn About Cinnamon Sugar Magic
The cinnamon and brown sugar filling creates a warm, sweet aroma and a caramelized texture when baked. The contrast between the buttery dough and the spicy-sweet cinnamon swirl makes these cookies irresistible. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, enhancing the depth of flavor and giving these cookies their signature holiday charm.