Name: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature); 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (150g) powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups (353g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Red gel food coloring (5-10 drops); Green gel food coloring (5-10 drops); Holiday colored nonpareils (for rolling the dough log); 1/2-1 teaspoon of additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that lights up the holiday season with color and cheer, you’ve got to try this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies swirl together vibrant red, green, and classic buttery white dough for a festive appearance that matches their sweet, buttery flavor perfectly. Crisp on the edges with a tender crumb on the inside, these cookies bring joy not only in every bite but also in every step of their creation. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe will become your new go-to for spreading some merry magic.

The image shows several stacks of round pinwheel cookies placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has three colorful spiral layers: a green inner swirl, a white middle swirl, and a red outer swirl. The edges of the cookies are decorated with red, green, and white small round sprinkles, giving a festive look. Some cookies are stacked vertically in neat piles, while a few lie flat in the foreground and background, showcasing the spiral pattern clearly. The texture looks soft and the colors are bright and vibrant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients together for this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is a breeze. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and holiday spirit in the dough.

Salted butter (3/4 cup): Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for buttery cookie goodness.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Enhances the buttery flavor and contributes to a delicate crumb.
Large eggs (2): Bind all ingredients together and add moisture to the dough for perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor that complements the festive colors.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure builder, making sure the cookies hold their iconic pinwheel shape.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle lift for lightness without puffing out the cookies too much.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Red and green gel food coloring: Essential for achieving those beautiful, vibrant Christmas hues without altering dough consistency.
Holiday colored nonpareils: Adds festive crunch and bursts of color on the cookie edges for that extra holiday sparkle.
Optional flavoring extracts or lemon zest (1/2-1 teaspoon): Perfect for a personalized twist if you want to brighten or deepen the flavor profile.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Begin by beating the softened salted butter with both the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough to give the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture while ensuring the sweetness is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix thoroughly while scraping down the sides so everything combines smoothly. This enriches the dough while infusing that warm vanilla fragrance that’s so inviting during the holidays.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. This ensures the dough isn’t overworked and keeps the cookies tender.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into three balls. Return one third to the mixer bowl and mix in red gel food coloring until you have a vibrant red dough. Repeat with another third of the dough using green gel food coloring. Leave the final portion uncolored to maintain that classic white swirl.

Step 5: Chill the Dough Discs

Flatten each of the three portions into discs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the dough either in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge for up to an hour. This resting period firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out without sticking or cracking.

Step 6: Roll and Stack Dough Layers

Roll each dough disc out on parchment paper to create rectangles of roughly the same size. Stack the layers carefully with the white dough in the middle, and the colored doughs on either side. Trim the edges to ensure even layers, preparing for the signature swirling effect.

Step 7: Roll into a Log and Chill

Using the parchment paper to help, gently roll the layered dough into a tight log. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1-2 hours. This crucial step helps the cookies hold their spiral shape when sliced and baked.

Step 8: Coat with Nonpareils

Once the dough log is chilled, lightly press it into holiday-colored nonpareils laid out on a baking sheet. Press firmly to get the sprinkles to adhere well, creating that festive textured coating. At this stage, you can either slice and bake or refrigerate the log for up to a week for baking later.

Step 9: Prepare to Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 10: Slice the Cookies

Unwrap the chilled dough log, trim any uneven ends, and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife. Lay each cookie on the prepared sheet about 1-2 inches apart to allow for even baking and expansion.

Step 11: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until set but still tender to the touch. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will give you that perfect snap when you bite in.

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with brown parchment paper, holding 24 round pinwheel cookies arranged in six rows of four. Each cookie has three visible swirl layers: an inner bright green spiral, surrounded by a white layer, and an outer red layer. The edges of the cookies are coated with small candy sprinkles in red, white, and green colors that add texture and festivity. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, and there are some scattered sprinkles around the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a few extra nonpareils on a plate alongside these cookies adds an extra festive vibe. Alternatively, dusting with a light coating of powdered sugar brings a soft snowy touch to your presentation.

Side Dishes

These pinwheel cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a warm spiced chai latte. They also complement a cheese platter if you want to balance sweet and savory flavors during your celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift-wrap a stack of these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in clear cellophane tied with a bright red or green ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also arrange them on tiered dessert stands mixed with other holiday treats to create a beautiful cookie platter that draws everyone in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their crisp edges and tender centers while preserving freshness.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump start on your holiday baking, freeze the cookie dough log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed with slicing and baking.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll taste freshly baked, with that buttery aroma filling your kitchen once again.

FAQs

Can I use food coloring alternatives for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer natural colors, you can use beet juice for red and spinach or matcha powder for green. Just keep in mind the dough’s consistency might slightly change, so add gradually.

What makes these pinwheel cookies so special compared to regular sugar cookies?

The pinwheel effect creates a festive visual that’s fun and eye-catching. Plus, the combination of multiple colored doughs layered together adds a real showstopper element to your holiday cookie tray.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. However, it might slightly alter the texture, so consider adding a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.

How long can I store the cookie dough before baking?

The dough log can be kept tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to one week, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies whenever you want during that period.

Are there variations I can try with this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Try swapping in different flavor extracts like almond or peppermint for a new twist. You could also experiment with colored coarse sugars or crushed candy canes instead of nonpareils for unique textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring these cheerful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe to life in your kitchen. They’re a wonderful blend of festive colors, delightful flavors, and that cozy homemade feeling that makes the holidays even more special. Give this recipe a try and watch how these swirled beauties become your new holiday tradition!