Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Magical Spiral Cookies are a fun and visually striking treat perfect for any occasion. These colorful, swirled cookies combine rich flavors of vanilla and almond with vibrant purple and black hues to delight both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Purple gel food coloring
• Black gel food coloring
• Purple sprinkles
• ½ cup black or chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs and milk to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into portions. Tint one half with purple gel food coloring. Split the remaining dough into black and white portions, tinting the black portion with black gel food coloring.
5. Step 5: Roll the black dough into a 6×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
6. Step 6: Roll the white dough to the same size and place it on top of the black dough. Roll lightly with a rolling pin to adhere the two layers together.
7. Step 7: Roll the purple dough to a 6×12-inch rectangle. Sprinkle purple sprinkles evenly over this layer.
8. Step 8: Roll the purple dough with sprinkles into a log shape, ready to slice and bake according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

• Chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing to help maintain clean spiral shapes while baking.
• Use gel food coloring sparingly to avoid altering the dough consistency.
• Try substituting almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a different flavor twist.
• For extra texture, press additional sprinkles onto the log surface before slicing.

Storage

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, let the cookies come to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use food coloring other than gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides intense color without adding extra liquid, which can affect dough texture. Liquid food coloring may be used but sparingly.

How thick should I slice the cookie dough logs before baking?

Slice the dough logs about ¼ inch thick to ensure even baking and keep the spiral design visible.

Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

Magical Spiral Cookies are visually stunning and delicious treats featuring layers of colorful dough rolled into beautiful spirals, enhanced with vanilla and almond extracts and a delightful sprinkle of purple and chocolate sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal. Perfect for special occasions or as a charming gift.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

Coloring & Decoration

• Purple gel food coloring
• Black gel food coloring
• Purple sprinkles
• ½ cup black or chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the creamy base for the dough. Then add the eggs and milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
2. Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the batter. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined for consistent flavor and texture.
3. Divide and Color the Dough: Separate the dough into three portions. Tint one half of the dough with purple gel food coloring. Divide the remaining half into two parts to be colored black and left white accordingly using black gel food coloring.
4. Roll and Layer Black and White Dough: Roll the black dough into a rectangle approximately 6×12 inches. Similarly, roll the white portion to the same size, then place the white dough directly on top of the black dough. Gently roll over both layers together to help them adhere firmly without mixing the colors.
5. Prepare Purple Dough Log: Roll the purple-colored dough into a 6×12-inch rectangle, just like the previous layers. Sprinkle purple sprinkles evenly over the surface of the purple dough, then carefully roll it into a tight log shape to create a spiraled effect inside once sliced.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
• Keep the dough chilled if it becomes too soft during preparation to ease handling and rolling.
• Slice the rolls into cookies approximately ¼ inch thick before baking for even cooking and beautiful spiral patterns.
• Bake on parchment-lined sheets to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
• Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain texture and prevent breakage when handling.

Keywords: spiral cookies, colorful cookies, vanilla almond cookies, festive cookies, rolled cookie dough