Chocolate Mint Pinwheel Cookies are as pretty as they are delicious! Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, these pinwheel cookies are tender and light, with perfect peppermint and chocolate flavors throughout.
2sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
3/4cup(150 grams) granulated sugar
1large egg, at cool room temperature
1teaspoonpeppermint extract
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
¼-½teaspoongreen gel food coloring*
3tablespoons(16 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
1tablespoonmilk
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until well-combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract and beat until combined, then scrape down the bowl again. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated.
Divide the dough in half (it’s ok if it’s not exact) and place one half in a small bowl. Starting with ¼ teaspoon, add green food coloring and mix with a spatula until evenly colored. Add more coloring if desired. Into the remaining plain dough, add cocoa powder and milk and beat on low speed until just combined.
Place each half of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap and shape into a small rectangle. Refrigerate until firm but still pliable, about 1 hour.
Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a silicone-lined baking mat. Place one half of the dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap. Roll dough into an 8x14-inch large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with remaining dough. Place both doughs, still covered in plastic, in the fridge or freezer until firm but pliable, about 10 minutes.
Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap from the green dough. Place dough down on a fresh sheet of parchment. Carefully peel away the parchment attached to the dough. Repeat the procedure to place the chocolate dough on top of the green dough, lining up as closely as possible. Press the dough together to ensure there are no gaps between layers. Trim the dough layers to create an even rectangle if needed.
Using the parchment paper under the green dough as a guide, slowly roll the long side of the dough into a tight log, making sure there are no gaps. Wrap log in parchment or plastic wrap** and freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
Line large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, trim the edges of the dough, then slice the dough log into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. If the dough is slightly flat on the bottom from resting, don’t worry, they’ll still bake up round. Place the baking sheets in the fridge or freezer while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Place baking sheets on cooling racks and let cool for 2 minutes before removing the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. They will soften the longer they sit.
Notes
*Use gel food coloring for best results. We love Americolor’s Forest Green for the perfect Christmasy green color (used in recipe photos) or Americolor Leaf Green for a more vibrant green.**Parchment is best for a smooth exterior.