When summer arrives and the Fourth of July is just around the corner, the thought of Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies dances in my head like fireflies on a warm evening. Picture this: luscious layers of creamy butter, sweet vanilla, and vibrant red and blue sprinkles that burst with joy in every bite. Cranberry Crumble Bars Cranberry Bread with Almond Topping These cookies are not just a treat; they are an explosion of flavor and color that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Every year, I whip up these festive delights for our family barbecue. The kids can’t resist their cheerful colors, while the adults secretly fight over the last cookie (sorry, Aunt Linda). The best part? They are as easy to make as they are delicious. Chocolate Chip Cookie variations So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a staple at your Fourth of July celebrations!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies are super simple to prepare, making them perfect for any baking novice
- The vibrant colors make them visually stunning and ideal for festive occasions
- Their buttery flavor combined with a hint of sweetness creates a delightful taste explosion in every bite
- Plus, you can easily customize the sprinkles to match any theme or holiday!
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my niece squealed with delight as she unwrapped them from the parchment paper. It felt like Christmas morning all over again! For more inspiration, check out this Crunchy Cheddar Poppers recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that enhances overall flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: The base of our dough; sift it for a lighter texture.
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Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving them a soft center.
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Red and Blue Sprinkles: Choose your favorite brands; these will add fun color and crunch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract next. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water in anticipation.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. This helps prevent clumps when you mix them into your wet ingredients.
Merging it All Together: Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter mixture. Classic Butter Cookies Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix or your cookies might turn tough.
Color Your Doughs: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Color one part red with food coloring, another blue, leaving the last part plain white. Wrap each section in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Create Your Pinwheels: Roll each colored dough into rectangles between two sheets of parchment paper. Layer them on top of each other: white on bottom, blue in the middle, red on top. Roll tightly into a log shape.
Now that you have rolled up your culinary masterpiece like a burrito of joy, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap again and freeze for at least one hour (or longer if you can wait).
When you’re ready to bake…
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper so those beautiful pinwheels don’t stick!
Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds—watch those gorgeous swirls reveal themselves! Place them on your lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Let them cool completely on wire racks—if you can resist eating them straight off the sheet!
And there you have it! Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies that not only look festive but taste amazing too! Perfect for sharing or sneaking away when no one is looking—I’m not judging!
So gather your loved ones around this Fourth of July with these vibrant treats that promise smiles all around!
You Must Know
- Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies are a fun and festive treat
- Their colorful layers are perfect for celebrations, making them both eye-catching and delicious
- The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie exterior, creating a delightful sensory experience with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and chilling it before rolling out. This ensures easier handling and cleaner pinwheels, preventing any messy situations during assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute your favorite flavored extracts or use different food colorings for unique designs. Customize the fillings to match your celebration theme for an added personal flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them chilled, simply refrigerate to enjoy a refreshing treat on hot days.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect pinwheels, roll the dough tightly but not too tightly; this avoids breakage and maintains shape
- Ensure even chilling for consistent slicing, which enhances presentation
- Use parchment paper when rolling out dough for easy cleanup and less sticking
Creating these Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies always brings back memories of my childhood Fourth of July parties, where everyone gathered around for fireworks and tasty treats.
FAQ
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?
Mascarpone cheese or whipped cream can be great alternatives for a lighter filling.
How long do these cookies need to chill?
Chill the rolled dough for at least two hours to firm it up before slicing.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze them after slicing; they stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the Fourth of July with these eye-catching Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies! Bursting with buttery flavor and vibrant colors, they are a delightful treat that will impress family and friends. Easy to make and even more fun to eat, these cookies are perfect for summer gatherings, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup red sprinkles
- ½ cup blue sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts: color one part red, another blue, and leave the last plain white. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles; layer them (white on bottom, blue in middle, red on top) and roll tightly into a log shape. Freeze for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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