Tis the season! Cookies and Poinsettias! So why not Poinsettia cookies?
This recipe comes from a cookbook I’ve had for a long time called Short+Sweet by Gale Gand. What caught my eye was a way to make pinwheel cookies, using pastel sugars and popsicle sticks. A cute idea for kids’ parties or any summer get-together. But the note about poinsettia cookies really caught my attention, and I knew this would be a great Christmas cookie.
The dough is straightforward: cream cheese, butter, and an egg yolk creamed together. To this, mix in flour and baking powder.
Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. The dough is refrigerated for at least an hour, but up to 2 days before rolling out.
When ready, roll out the dough, divide in half and place one portion back in the fridge while you roll out the other. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape, measuring 15x9 inches. Trim irregular edges with a knife or pizza cutter. Then, cut the rectangle into 3-inch squares.
Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet (Note: the original recipe says to use an ungreased baking sheet but I experienced a lot of “sticking” of the baked cookies to the pan. When I switched to parchment paper, it worked much better)
Each dough square is brushed with an egg white wash. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the dough diagonally from each corner to within ½ inch of the center of the square.
If preferred, these squares can be stored between sheets of wax paper refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to two weeks. I just went with the next step and baked the same day.
Sprinkle one teaspoon of colored sugar evenly over the whole square.
Then, fold in every other point of the square to the center, forming a pinwheel, overlapping the corners at the center and pressing down gently to seal.
Press an M&M in the center of the pinwheel, covering the folded-in points.
Repeat with the remaining squares (*Pro tip: Remember not to snack on all the M&Ms before completing the cookies).
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes (Note: I needed the whole 12 minutes) until dry and very light golden.
I had fun with the colors on these. Red sugar with a green M&M seemed perfect for a Poinsettia, but I also like the all-green sugared versions. I think they give a nice contrast and still look very festive on the plate.
I also like the option of making team colors. Since I’m from Wisconsin, these, naturally, are “Packer Poinsettias.” GO PACK
These cookies will brighten any Christmas platter!
📖 Recipe
Poinsettia Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 TB unsalted butter 1 ½ sticks, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg separated
- 2 cups flour all-purpose
- 1 TB baking powder
- 1 cup colored sugar
- *About 30 M&M candies No snacking until cookies are finished!
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, butter, and egg yolk until smooth, then add the flour and baking powder. Mix until well blended and form into a disc. Wrap disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to 2 days).
- Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough into a 15x9 inch rectangle. (Return remaining dough to the refrigerator). With a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, trim uneven edges from the dough and cut the rectangle into 3-inch squares. Place the squares at least ½ inch apart on parchment paper-lined sheet pans.
- Heat oven to 350F.
- Lightly whisk the reserved egg white and brush one dough square all over with the egg white. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough diagonally from each corner to within ½ inch of the center of the square.
- Sprinkle one teaspoon colored sugar evenly over the whole square. Fold in every other point of the square to the center, forming a pinwheel, overlapping the corners at the center and pressing down gently to seal. Press an *M&M (Hope you’ve got enough!) in the center of the pinwheel, covering the points. Repeat with remaining squares.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, until dry and very light golden.
- Repeat with reserved dough to make approximately 30 finished cookies.
- Store finished cookies between wax paper layers in an airtight container. Cookies will stay crisp and tasty for about 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Lottie
I can't wait to surprise my kids with these for Christmas!
Sula
Oh, they will love them!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
They look AMAZING and so festive! Would you know how to home-make coloured sugar organically? I can think of spinach and beetroot, but I have no idea how or what quantities.
Sula
Sorry, I've never tried to color my own sugar organically. But I love the idea!
Kalu Lor
These would be so much fun to make with kids. It's so colorful and I bet they're delicious.
Sula
Yes, they are!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
These cookies are so pretty and festive! The perfect addition to Christmas baking. 🙂
Sula
They really are!
Arica
These are so cute and sound yummy!
Sula
Thanks Arica, I hope you get a chance to try them!
Jeannie
Ive never seen or eaten like this before so festive! very timely.
Sula
Perfect for Christmas!
Capri
These cookies are gorgeous! They are perfect for the holidays!
Sula
They will brighten any platter of holiday treats!
Alexandra
These are absolutely gorgeous and the perfect festive treat!
Sula
They will look good on any holiday tray!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
My mouth is literally watering. My family would love this..
Sula
I hope you make them soon for your family to enjoy!
Chef Dennis
These Poinsettia Cookies are stunningly delicious! Loving all those colors.
Sula
I like how bright and beautiful they are in Holiday colors!
Emily Flint
These are so cute and so fun! Perfect for my cookie plate this year and I love how easy they are, thanks for the step by step photos!
Sula
Yes they are great on a cookie plate!
Audrey
I can't wait to make these for my next Christmas cookie exchange.
Sula
They never fail to please!
Pam
These are so pretty! My granddaughter is going to love helping me make them.
Sula
Yes kids love to help make these!
Helen
So cute! And very festive with those vibrant colours.
Sula
Thank you, I hope you try them soon!
Beth
These look so delicious and yummy! My family is going to love this for the holiday! Can't wait to make these!
Sula
Have fun!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Those look amazing! I bought non-stick baking parchment which is coated on both sides from Amazon. It's made such a difference
Sula
A better parchment paper? I'll have to check for that!
Jess
I love how fun and festive these are. Fun for the kiddos to help make during the holidays.
Sula
Oh yes these would be a fun family project!
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious
Omg thse cookies are absolutely STUNNING! Pinning for later, thank you!
Sula
You're welcome, I hope you try them soon!
Texasgirl
These are so darn cute!!!
Sula
Right?!?
Big Trouble
Yes, thank you! These are so festive and look like a real treat to make AND serve. Love the colorful M&Ms in the middle, too. Can't wait to try these!
Sula
They really are fun!