Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive, eye-catching treat that perfectly captures the joy of the holiday season. These colorful, swirled cookies not only taste delicious but also add a playful, cheerful touch to holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, or gifts. The buttery base is soft and tender, while the vibrant red and green swirls create a whimsical design that’s fun for both kids and adults to make. With a hint of vanilla sweetness and a sprinkle of sanding sugar, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Pinwheel cookies are a classic holiday favorite because they combine simplicity with creativity. The dough is easy to prepare, and the rolling technique allows you to create elegant swirls that resemble miniature candy canes or festive spirals. These cookies are perfect for families, as children can help with rolling the dough, adding colors, and sprinkling sanding sugar. Their visual appeal makes them ideal for decorating cookie platters, gifting to friends, or adding to holiday dessert tables.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through creating Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, including tips for perfect dough consistency, achieving crisp swirls, and ensuring soft, flavorful cookies. We’ll also explore variations, serving suggestions, and answer frequently asked questions to make sure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

▢ 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
▢ 2/3 cup sugar
▢ 1 egg
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
▢ red gel food coloring
▢ green gel food coloring
▢ red sanding sugar to garnish

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain, add red gel food coloring to the second portion, and green gel food coloring to the third portion, kneading each until the colors are evenly distributed. Roll each portion into a rectangle of approximately the same size, about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully layer the colored doughs on top of the plain dough, stacking them evenly. Using a rolling pin, gently press the layers together to ensure they adhere without mixing the colors.

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the layered dough into a log, creating a spiral effect with the colors. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm, which makes slicing easier and maintains clean swirls. Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the tops with red sanding sugar for a festive sparkle.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to set slightly after removal from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up while maintaining a tender texture inside.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Use gel food coloring rather than liquid to avoid altering the dough consistency. Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing to maintain clean, defined swirls. Use a sharp knife and clean between slices to prevent the colors from smudging. Do not overbake the cookies, as they are best when soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. Make sure the layered dough rectangles are uniform in size for even spirals.

Variations

Experiment with different holiday colors or even pastel shades for other occasions. Add finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips between layers for texture and flavor. For a peppermint twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking. Create mini pinwheels for bite-sized treats or larger ones for dramatic presentation on cookie platters. Infuse the dough with almond or peppermint extract for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Ideas

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or as gifts in festive boxes or tins. Pair them with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday snack. Arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies for a colorful display. They can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and slicing.

Can I use different colors?
Absolutely, feel free to use any gel food coloring to match your theme or occasion.

How do I prevent the colors from blending together?
Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices.

Can I make mini pinwheels?
Yes, slicing thinner rounds will create smaller, bite-sized pinwheels that are perfect for parties.

How should I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a visually stunning and delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With buttery dough, vibrant swirls, and a touch of sanding sugar, these cookies bring both flavor and festive flair to any occasion. Their simple preparation and playful design make them perfect for sharing with family and friends, creating joyful memories one cookie at a time.