Buttery Spiral Halloween Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)

Buttery cookies with colorful sugar swirls create a festive and fun fall treat, perfect for celebrations.

# Ingredients:

→ Dairy and Sweeteners

01 - 1 cup salted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 1 large egg, room temperature
04 - ¾ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
06 - ½ cup colored sugar (orange, black, and purple)

# Steps:

01 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Mix in the egg and almond or vanilla extract until well combined.
03 - Stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough is incorporated without overworking.
04 - Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press half of the dough into an 8-inch square on a surface covered with plastic wrap.
05 - Sprinkle the colored sugar onto the dough in irregular patches for a vibrant swirl effect.
06 - Use the plastic wrap to lift and carefully roll the dough like a cinnamon roll into a tight log. Repeat with the remaining dough.
07 - Refrigerate the dough logs for 1 to 2 hours until firm to ensure clean slicing and minimal spreading during baking.
08 - Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
09 - Remove plastic wrap and slice each log into ¼-inch thick slices. Place slices on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
10 - Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden and the tops appear dry.
11 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - For best slicing results and to prevent spreading, ensure the dough is well chilled. If too soft, freeze logs for 10 minutes before cutting.
02 - Softened butter (not melted) promotes proper creaming with sugar, resulting in tender texture.
03 - A sharp, thin knife will help achieve even slices without squishing the dough.
04 - Using parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
05 - Cookies bake quickly; remove as soon as edges turn golden to avoid overbaking.

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