How to Create Spooky Halloween Pinwheel Cookies for the Perfect Holiday Treat

Halloween and Samhain are just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some festive sweets that look as good as they taste. These Halloween Pinwheel Cookies are so simple to make but, they also look like you went above and beyond to make your Halloween/Samhain celebration feel special

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your Halloween Pinwheel Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cups granulated sugar

• 2 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp black cocoa (regular cocoa works fine too!)

• 1 tbsp coffee, room temperature

• Gel food coloring (I used orange but you can choose whatever colors you want

• Additional decorations (sprinkles, edible glitter)

  
  

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy — this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Once combined, divide your dough in half in put in two separate bowls. In one bowl add a few drops of gel food coloring mix until the color is vibrant. In the other bowl add in the 3 tbsp of cocoa, 1 tbsp of coffee and mix until completely combined.

Rolling and Layering the Dough

Now comes the creative part! On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough into a rectangle roughly 1/4 inch thick. Ensure each rectangle matches in size so they lay neatly together.

Once your dough is ready, layer the colored rectangles by placing them one on top of the other in the order of your choice. After stacking, carefully roll the dough into a log. For a festive touch you can roll the log in sprinkles to create a fun edge to the cookies! To maintain shape, wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling step is essential as it helps firm up the dough for easier slicing.

Baking Your Spooky Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Indulging in Your Halloween Treats

After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. These Halloween Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect whimsical addition to any party or a delightful treat to have at home. To make them gift-ready, package them in clear bags tied with brightly colored ribbons, or serve them on a spooky-themed platter that will impress your guests.

Samhain Traditions

Samhain is a special and sacred time of year that celebrates the end of the harvest and the transition into winter. It is believed that the veil is the thinnest at this time so many people choose Samhain to connect with and honor lost loved ones. Samhain calls us to look to the natural world and learn from her...as the plants die and animals prepare for the winter we find hope in the cyclical nature of life. Samhain is typically celebrated with a big feast and setting out a extra plate to honor loved ones who have passed...you may also celebrate with a bonfire, lighting candles, carving pumpkins, a nature walk and dressing in costume. It is also known as the Witches New Year and is a powerful time to let go of the things that no longer serve your highest good. Blessed Samhain to you friends!