Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Magical Spiral Cookies are a colorful and fun treat that combines vibrant purple and classic black-and-white swirls. These buttery cookies not only taste delightful but also add a whimsical touch to any cookie platter.

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 in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and milk, mixing until smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into three portions. Tint one portion purple using the purple gel food coloring. Split the remaining dough into two parts, tinting one with black gel food coloring while leaving the other plain white.
4. Step 4: Roll the black dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Step 5: Roll the white dough into the same size rectangle and place it directly on top of the black dough. Lightly roll over the stacked dough to help them adhere together.
6. Step 6: Roll the purple dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle as well. Sprinkle purple sprinkles evenly over this piece, then carefully roll it up into a log shape.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without changing the dough’s consistency.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
• Replace almond extract with lemon extract for a citrusy note.
• Chill the dough logs before slicing to get cleaner, more defined swirls.

Storage

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough logs before slicing or freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to regain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring provides more intense color with less liquid, which helps maintain the dough’s texture.

How thick should the cookie slices be when cutting the dough logs?

Slice the dough logs about ¼ inch thick to ensure even baking and beautiful spiral patterns.

Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

Magical Spiral Cookies are delightful, visually stunning treats featuring vibrant swirls of purple, black, and white dough, enhanced with a mix of vanilla and almond extracts and topped with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for festive occasions or when you want a unique, eye-catching cookie.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: About 36 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 Decorations

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the butter and sugar mixture: Beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
2. Add eggs and milk: Incorporate the eggs and milk into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until completely smooth and combined.
3. Form the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dough begins to come together and forms a consistent texture.
4. Divide and color the dough: Separate the dough into portions. Tint half of it with purple gel food coloring. Divide the other half into black and white portions (add black food coloring to the black portion, leave the white portion uncolored).
5. Roll black and white doughs: Roll the black dough into a 6×12-inch rectangle. Repeat the same size rectangle with the white dough. Place the white dough rectangle on top of the black dough, pressing lightly and rolling gently to help them adhere together.
6. Roll purple dough and decorate: Roll out the purple dough to the same 6×12-inch size. Sprinkle purple sprinkles evenly on top of the rolled purple dough. Then, carefully roll the purple dough into a log shape, ready for slicing and baking.

Notes

• Chilling the dough before rolling can help maintain the shapes and colors.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering the dough consistency.
• Slice the rolled dough log into ¼-inch thick cookies for even baking.
• Bake cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
• Cool cookies on a wire rack completely before serving to set their shape.

Keywords: spiral cookies, colorful cookies, vanilla almond cookies, decorated cookies, festive cookies