Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a festive and fun treat that bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. These colorful cookies feature a delightful swirl of red and green dough, creating a visually striking appearance that kids and adults alike will love. Soft, buttery, and subtly sweet, they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, gifting, or decorating your holiday dessert table. Their playful design adds a touch of whimsy to any festive spread, while their buttery flavor keeps them irresistible.

The charm of pinwheel cookies lies in their swirl pattern, which combines two contrasting colors in a perfect spiral. The dough is soft and pliable, making it easy to roll and shape, and the subtle sweetness comes from a simple sugar cookie base enhanced with vanilla. Red and green gel food coloring creates the iconic Christmas colors, and a sprinkle of red sanding sugar adds sparkle and a slight crunch. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually impressive, making them a holiday favorite.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, including tips for rolling the dough perfectly, achieving vibrant colors, and ensuring they bake evenly. We’ll also share variations, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions to make your cookie-baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients

▢ 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
▢ 2/3 cup sugar
▢ 1 large 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 for garnish

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda, then gradually add it to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Divide the dough into three portions: one plain, one colored red, and one colored green using gel food coloring. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed. Roll out the red and green doughs into rectangles of equal size, about 1/4-inch thick, and place them side by side. Gently press together and roll into a tight log to form the pinwheel shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.

Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick cookies using a sharp knife. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the tops with red sanding sugar for a festive sparkle. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Pinwheel Cookies

Use gel food coloring rather than liquid to avoid altering the dough consistency. Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing to prevent the cookies from losing their shape. Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform thickness and consistent baking. Use a sharp knife for clean, precise slices. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.

Variations

Use different color combinations for other holidays, such as pink and white for Valentine’s Day or orange and black for Halloween. Add a touch of almond or peppermint extract for festive flavor variations. Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Make mini pinwheel cookies for bite-sized treats or larger ones for gift boxes. Combine chocolate dough with vanilla for a chocolate swirl effect.

Serving Ideas

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for holiday dessert platters, cookie exchanges, or gifting in festive tins. Pair with hot cocoa, milk, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. Arrange them on a platter alongside other holiday cookies for a visually stunning presentation. They also make fun decorations for holiday-themed parties or cookie decorating events with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the rolled log before slicing for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly before cutting and baking.

How do I prevent the colors from bleeding?
Use gel food coloring and avoid overmixing the dough after adding the color. Chill the log before slicing to maintain clean swirls.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Can I make larger or smaller cookies?
Yes, adjust the thickness when slicing the log. Bake slightly longer for larger cookies and slightly less for smaller slices.

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that combine buttery flavor with vibrant holiday colors. With their fun spiral design and subtle sweetness, they are perfect for spreading holiday cheer at parties, family gatherings, or as thoughtful homemade gifts.