Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Magical Spiral Cookies are a fun and visually striking treat perfect for any occasion. These colorful, swirled cookies combine subtle almond and vanilla flavors with a delightful crunch from sprinkles. They’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.

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 until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and milk, then mix until the batter is smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into portions. Tint one half with purple gel food coloring. Divide the remaining half into separate black and white portions using black gel food coloring for the black portion.
4. Step 4: Roll the black dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle on a flat surface.
5. Step 5: Roll the white dough to the same size and place it on top of the black dough. Gently roll over the top to help them adhere together.
6. Step 6: Roll the purple dough into a rectangle of the same size, sprinkle purple sprinkles evenly on top, then carefully roll it into a log shape.
7. Step 7: Assemble and bake according to your preferred method or see detailed steps and photos at theboatshedcafe.com.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting dough texture.
• Chill the dough logs before slicing to produce cleaner spiral cookie shapes.
• Try substituting almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store 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. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes, you can omit the almond extract or replace it with vanilla extract or another flavoring like lemon extract. The almond adds a subtle nutty flavor but isn’t essential.

How do I keep the cookie spirals distinct during baking?

Make sure to chill the dough logs thoroughly before slicing and baking. Cold dough holds shape better, helping maintain the defined spiral pattern.

Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 91 reviews

Magical Spiral Cookies are visually stunning and deliciously buttery cookies featuring vibrant purple, black, and white spiraled doughs. These cookies combine a classic buttery sugar cookie base with delightful almond and vanilla extracts, baked to golden perfection and decorated with sprinkles for a magical touch. Perfect for festive occasions or a fun baking project, these cookies are as charming to look at as they are to eat.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: About 3 dozen cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie 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 and Decoration

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter and Sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that will make the cookies tender.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs and milk into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully smooth and homogenous, which helps bind the dough properly.
3. Form the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough that’s pliable but not sticky.
4. Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough into portions. Tint one half with purple gel food coloring until evenly colored. Divide the remaining half into black and natural (white) portions, coloring the black portion with black gel food coloring.
5. Roll the Black and White Dough: Roll the black dough into a 6×12-inch rectangle on a parchment-lined surface or floured board. Roll the white dough to the same size and place it on top of the black layer; roll gently to make them adhere without mixing the colors.
6. Roll the Purple Dough with Sprinkles: Roll the purple dough into the same rectangular shape, then scatter purple sprinkles on top. Roll this layer into a log shape carefully to preserve the sprinkles and the neatness of the dough.
7. Assemble and Bake: (Not explicitly stated in original but inferred) Combine the layered doughs to form the spiral log if not already done. Chill the log to firm up, then slice into cookies and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the dough consistency with liquid colors.
• Chilling the dough log before slicing helps maintain neat spiral shapes during baking.
• Handle the dough gently when rolling layers to keep the colors distinct and the cookies visually striking.
• Sprinkles add a decorative and textural element but can be adjusted or omitted per preference.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Spiral Cookies, Butter Cookies, Vanilla Almond Cookies, Festive Cookies, Colored Cookies, Sugar Cookies