Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Christmas pinwheel cookies are one of those festive treats that instantly lift the holiday spirit in my kitchen. Their stunning swirl pattern is almost too pretty to eat—almost! But trust me, once you bite into that buttery, sweet dough with a hint of vanilla, you’ll be hooked. These cookies aren’t just a beautiful addition to your cookie platter; they’re a fun project that feels like a festive celebration rolled right into your baking routine.

I love making this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe when I want something that looks impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to pull off. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy afternoon with the kids crafting edible art. With a couple of simple ingredients and a bit of coloring magic, you can create a batch that looks gorgeous and tastes just like holiday joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe come together to create tender, flavorful dough with those classic holiday colors popping through. You’ll want to have everything prepped and ready, especially the food coloring and sprinkles, to get the vibrant swirls just right.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure to hold the pinwheel shape without being tough.
• Baking powder: Just enough to give a slight lift and light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures smooth dough and rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the dough’s consistency.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder — be sure it’s room temperature for better mixing.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting aroma and taste.
• Red and green food coloring: I recommend gel colors like Americolor—they give bright, vibrant swirls without thinning the dough.
• Sprinkles: Adds festive texture and extra holiday cheer—choose your favorites!

Variations

One of the best things about the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it in a few fun ways depending on the mood or who I’m baking for. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Chocolate Pinwheels: I’ve swapped half the vanilla dough with cocoa powder for a chocolate swirl—rich and perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a reliable gluten-free flour blend keeps the structure while making it accessible to friends with allergies.
• Spiced Cookies: Adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough gives a cozy seasonal twist.
• Different Colors: Beyond red and green, sometimes I go for blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme, which is a hit at New Year’s too.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl—this ensures even distribution. In another large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this part really makes a difference in texture, so take your time. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and mix just until the dough forms—overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep an eye on the texture.

Step 2: Coloring and Dividing the Dough

Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one part plain (this will be the white section of the pinwheel). Into the other two portions, knead in red and green food coloring gel, respectively, until you get rich, even colors. This is the fun part where your cookies start to get that festive vibe!

Step 3: Rolling and Shaping the Pinwheels

Roll each colored dough portion out between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of about the same size—roughly 10×6 inches works well. Once rolled, sprinkle your sprinkles evenly over the red and green dough sheets for an extra pop of holiday flair. Now stack the dough rectangles with the plain dough on one side and the colors aligned, smoothing edges gently to help them stick. Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log. Chill the log for at least an hour; this step is key to getting clean, solid pinwheels when sliced.

Step 4: Slicing and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Once chilled, slice the dough log into about ¼-inch thick rounds. Place these on your baking sheets with a little space between—they don’t spread much, which is nice. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the cookies stay soft in the center. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple and let the sprinkles shine as my main garnish, but if you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of white chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finish—perfect if you’re gifting them!

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a classic eggnog—both bring out the vanilla and buttery goodness. If you’re hosting a cookie swap, a simple platter featuring an assortment of holiday drinks and fruit spreads is a lovely way to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these cookies is stacked in clear jars with fairy lights woven around the base — it makes such a festive centerpiece! I’ve also done gift jars layered with cookies and red-and-green ribbons, which guests always appreciate. For parties, arranging them in a spiral on a large platter echoes their own swirl pattern, making the display extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Christmas pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay fresh for about a week—soft and just as tasty. Layer them between sheets of parchment to avoid sticking or breaking if you’re stacking them.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, the dough log freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and slice as usual. I’ve found this saves so much time during the hectic evenings before holiday gatherings.

Reheating

While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers to warm, pop a few in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that soft, just-baked feel back. You can also warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t crisp too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe has become a holiday tradition in my home because it combines festive flair with classic cookie comfort. Making them is like adding a little magic to your baking week—you get beautiful cookies that taste wonderful and bring smiles all around. I’m sure once you try this recipe, these pinwheels will become your go-to festive treat, especially when you want to impress friends and family without hours in the kitchen. So grab your butter, colors, and sprinkles, and let’s make some holiday memories!

Print