Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Magical Spiral Cookies are a delightful treat featuring vibrant purple and black swirls that catch the eye and excite the palate. These soft, buttery cookies combine rich flavors and fun textures, making them perfect for any occasion that calls for a bit of whimsy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Purple gel food coloring
• Black gel food coloring
• Purple sprinkles
• Black sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and milk until just combined. Add the flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Step 2: Divide the dough in half. Color one half with purple gel food coloring. Divide the other half again into two portions; leave one plain (white) and color the other with black gel food coloring.
3. Step 3: Roll the black dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle. Roll the white dough to the same size. Stack the white dough on top of the black and gently roll to press them together.
4. Step 4: Roll the purple dough to a similar-sized rectangle. Evenly sprinkle purple sprinkles over it, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Press the sprinkles gently so they adhere, then roll this purple layer into a log.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring to achieve bold colors without changing the dough’s texture.
• Chill the dough well before slicing to ensure clean, sharp spiral shapes.
• Keep your rectangles evenly rolled to help form neat, even spirals.
• Leave a small border without sprinkles for easier rolling and a neater finish.
• Use a sharp knife for slicing to maintain the defined spiral pattern.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore softness if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or leave it out entirely; the cookies will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Why do I need to chill the dough before slicing?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly without squashing or distorting the spiral shape, resulting in neat and attractive cookies.

Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

Magical Spiral Cookies are visually stunning swirl cookies with vibrant purple and black colors and a delightful buttery, meltaway texture, accentuated by fragrant vanilla and almond extracts. These cookies are perfect for making an impressive treat with layers of color and a sprinkle contrast that adds both texture and charm.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Coloring and Decoration

• Gel food coloring: purple and black
• Purple sprinkles
• Black sprinkles

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and milk just until combined to maintain a tender dough. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture delicate.
2. Divide and Color: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add purple gel food coloring to one half, kneading until the color is uniform. Take the other half and split it again into two portions—leave one plain (white), and add black gel food coloring to the other portion.
3. Roll and Stack Layers: Roll the black dough out into a 6×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the white dough to the same size and place it on top of the black dough. Lightly roll over the stacked layers with a rolling pin to press them together evenly, ensuring they stick well without distortion.
4. Make the Purple Center: Roll out the purple dough into a similar 6×12-inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle purple sprinkles across the surface but leave a 1-inch border around the edges. Gently press the sprinkles into the dough so they adhere without falling off. Carefully roll this purple layer with sprinkles into a tight log to form the spiral shape.
5. Chill the Dough Log: Wrap the rolled dough log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm to allow easier slicing and to help maintain sharp spirals when cut.
6. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp, clean knife, slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds, being careful to maintain clean, even spirals. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Using gel food coloring ensures vibrant colors without affecting dough texture.
• Chilling the dough log is essential for maintaining clean slices and sharp spirals.
• Leave a border when sprinkling to keep the rolls neat and prevent sprinkles from falling off during rolling.
• Use a sharp knife for clean cuts that preserve the sapirals beautifully.
• Roll dough to even thickness for uniform baking and appearance.

Keywords: spiral cookies, colored cookies, swirl cookies, butter cookies, almond extract cookies, vanilla cookies, festive cookies, colorful cookies, sprinkle cookies