Colorful Spiral Cookies are a whimsical treat that always brings a smile to my face. There’s something so captivating about the swirling colors and the sweet, buttery flavor that makes these cookies irresistible. Growing up, my grandma would always bake Colorful Spiral Cookies for special occasions, and the memory of those afternoons filled with laughter and the aroma of freshly baked cookies is something I cherish deeply. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic and share it with you! I hope you enjoy making these swirl sugar cookies.
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Why You Will Love This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
This Colorful Spiral Cookies recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. First, these cookies are absolutely gorgeous. The vibrant swirls of color make them a showstopper on any dessert table. Second, they taste amazing, with a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness.
But what I really love about this recipe is how fun it is to make. It’s a great activity to do with kids or friends. Plus, the dough comes together easily, and the swirling technique is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. And the best part? The recipe is easy to customize. Want a hint of lemon? No problem! Are you craving chocolate chips? Toss them in! Get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients Needed for This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful little swirl sugar cookies:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coloring:
- Gel food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow)
How to Make This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
Making these cookies is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps for perfect results.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Place each portion in a separate bowl and add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap each colored dough section in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will make the dough easier to work with.
- Assemble the Spiral: On a lightly floured surface, roll each color of dough into a rectangle about 8×12 inches. Stack the colored dough rectangles on top of each other.
- Roll and Chill: Starting from one end, tightly roll the stacked dough into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 9. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
These Colorful Spiral Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, bake sales, or simply as a sweet treat for your family. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. Another excellent pairing is a refreshing glass of lemonade!
How to Store This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
To keep your Colorful Spiral Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer safe container in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
Tips to Make This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors without affecting the consistency of the dough.
- Slice Evenly: Slice the dough log as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking and attractive presentation.
- Bake Until Just Golden: Avoid overbaking the cookies to keep them soft and chewy. They should be lightly golden around the edges.
Helpful Notes for This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar.
- Food Coloring: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations to create your own unique swirl designs.
- Dough Thickness: When rolling out the dough rectangles, aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even baking.
- Chilling Time: If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, but longer chilling will result in better handling.
Variation of This Colorful Spiral Cookies Recipe
- Chocolate Swirls: Add cocoa powder to one portion of the dough for chocolate flavored swirls.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy twist.
- Sprinkles: Sprinkle the cookies with your favorite decorations after baking.
- Seasonal Colors: Use seasonal food coloring during holidays for a festive look.
What makes spiral cookies colorful?
Spiral cookies get their vibrant colors from dividing the dough and mixing each portion with different food colorings. These colored doughs are then layered and rolled together to create the spiral effect before baking.
How do I prevent the colors from bleeding when making spiral cookies?
To prevent color bleeding, use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it’s more concentrated and requires less liquid. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough once the colors are added.
Can I freeze colorful spiral cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the colorful spiral cookie dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.
What kind of sugar is best for spiral sugar cookies?
Granulated sugar is typically used for spiral sugar cookies. It provides the right texture and sweetness for these types of cookies. You can also roll the cookies in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed making these Colorful Spiral Cookies, there’s plenty more colorful and creative dessert inspiration waiting for you.
Be sure to visit and follow me on Pinterest, where I share fun baking ideas, step-by-step visuals, festive cookie designs, and easy recipes to inspire your next sweet creation.
Colorful Spiral Cookies: Easiest Swirl Sugar Cookies EVER!
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
These Colorful Spiral Cookies are a fun and festive treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Place each portion in a separate bowl and add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed.
- Wrap each colored dough section in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will make the dough easier to work with.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each color of dough into a rectangle about 8×12 inches. Stack the colored dough rectangles on top of each other.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the stacked dough into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: colorful spiral cookies, swirl sugar cookies