Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies
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Cherry cookie dough and almond cookie dough are swirled together to create these light, crisp, and flavorful Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies. If you’re looking to add color, pattern, and festive flavor to your holiday cookie trays, these will do the trick!
Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies
Are you ready for another Christmas cookie recipe? Well, ready or not, I have one to share with you! In this post, we’re making Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies.
If you’ve been paying close attention to my posts, you might remember that I shared a pinwheel cookie recipe last Christmas. Well, I also wanted to make this recipe at that time, but that didn’t get accomplished. That’s why I made sure to make these cookies as early as I could this year.
As you can see, the swirled pattern and bold color on these Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies are so eye-catching. I’ve always been intrigued and attracted to this design and pattern. Therefore, some version of these cookies has become a must make.
I also LOVE the combination of cherry and almond. I’ve made a few recipes inspired by this flavor combination. Two of my favorites are these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies and this Cherry Almond Oatmeal. So good!!
Now, before we get into this recipe, I want to mention that these do take time time to make. To keep those sharp layers, it’s really important that the dough be chilled. Consequently, there are several instances where the dough must be returned to the refrigerator. I recommend working on another cookie recipe at the same time or speeding up the process by using the freezer.
Need more festive cookie recipe ideas? You’re in luck because I have a collection of 22+ amazing Christmas cookie recipes! You can find all of those delicious cookie confections HERE.
LOOKING FOR MORE FESTIVE COOKIE RECIPES? TRY THESE:
- Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups
- Cream Horn Cookies
- Peppermint Kiss Cookies
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Now onto the recipe!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.
How to Make Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. I’ve provided a full list of the ingredients and detailed recipe instructions in a printable recipe card below.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix to combine.
Divide the dough in half. To one of the halves, add the cherry extract and red gel food coloring. To the other half, mix in the ground almonds. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill until firm: about 2-3 hours.
Between 2 sheets of wax paper, roll each portion of dough into an 8×15 rectangle. Place on a cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes.
Remove the wax paper from both, placing the almond rectangle on top of the cherry rectangle. Starting with a long side, roll up the dough tightly. Then, roll in coarse sugar and chill again for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut the dough log into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. The bottom of these cookies can burn quickly. (I learned this the hard way.) Keep an eye on them near the end of their baking time in order to prevent burnt bottoms.
Remove from the sheet pan to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container.
As I mentioned above, these Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies do take time but the results are totally worth it. I think these make a delicious addition to your Christmas spread thanks to their color and unique flavor.
And remember, if you need more holiday cookie recipes, I have lots to share. Check out this post here for all of my favorites.
Happy Holiday Baking!
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Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies Recipe:
Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cherry extract
- red gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- coarse sanding sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix to combine.
- Divide the dough in half. To one of the halves, add the cherry extract and red gel food coloring. To the other half, mix in the ground almonds. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill until firm: about 2-3 hours.
- Between 2 sheets of wax paper, roll each portion of dough into an 8x15 rectangle. Place on a cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes.
- Remove the wax paper from both, placing the almond rectangle on top of the cherry rectangle. Starting with a long side, roll up the dough tightly. Then, roll in coarse sugar and chill again for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut the dough log into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baked for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from the sheet pan to cool completely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
Id like to try these cookies but am wondering if I can use almond flour inteased of the ground almonds?
I have made these cookies for the past two years and love them. I want to make this batch for a friend and am out of cherry flavoring. Can I use a package of cherry jello for the cherry flavor?
Delicious! And so pretty.
I have never seen cherry extract in a store. Did you order it online? These cookies just look happy! Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Love this recipe! I’ve tried to make these in the past, but when I cut them they seem to flatten a bit and are not circles anymore! Any tips?
Cold dough and a sharp knife. Even if you need to pop the dough in the freezer for a bit – that will help to keep it’s shape.
xo Michael