If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious treat to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen, this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful swirled cookies combine buttery sweetness with that magical pop of red and green, making every bite a joyful celebration. Perfect for sharing with friends or gifting to neighbors, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping holiday favorite you’ll come back to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to give you the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic spiral look that makes these cookies so special. From the rich butter to the festive food coloring, everything has a role in crafting these beauties.
- 3 cups flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to hold those pinwheels perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so the cookies are soft but not cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the buttery notes.
- 2 sticks unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a slight chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that compliments holiday spices.
- Red and green food coloring: Essential for achieving those festive pinwheel swirls.
- Holiday sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for an extra dash of holiday charm.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl for your dry ingredients. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy; this is the secret to tender cookies. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients until you have a smooth dough. Divide the dough in half — this will become your two contrasting colors.
Step 2: Color the Dough
Add red food coloring to one half of the dough and green to the other. Don’t be shy; add enough coloring to get vibrant, festive hues. Knead the dough gently to distribute the colors evenly without overworking it. Now you’ve got two bright, soft dough balls ready for rolling.
Step 3: Roll into Rectangles
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a rectangle of approximately equal size, about 9 by 6 inches. Try to make the thickness consistent so the pinwheel layers bake evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pinwheels
Place the red rectangle on top of the green one or vice versa, pressing lightly to adhere. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if using for a festive crunch. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours — this step is crucial for clean, defined swirls.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough roll from the fridge and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife. Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy touch that elevates the festive feel. For an extra pop, drizzle some white chocolate over the cooled cookies or press a few mini candy canes into the tops before baking.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or classic eggnog to complete your holiday snack spread. Their buttery texture and sweet swirls play wonderfully with creamy beverages and make an excellent addition to any festive dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly for that unmistakable holiday vibe. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
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 perfect texture and flavor, so they stay just as delicious days later.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, slice the pinwheel logs and freeze the dough rounds before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen-baked or refrigerated cookies fresh, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings back that just-baked smell that makes the holidays feel even cozier.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring actually works better for dough because it won’t change the consistency as much, and it often produces more vibrant colors with less added liquid.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
No worries! The sprinkles are just for extra sparkle. You can leave them out or substitute with finely chopped nuts or colored sugar to keep your cookies festive and fun.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can create equally delicious pinwheel cookies without gluten concerns.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough log before slicing is key. The cold dough holds its shape better during baking, keeping that beautiful swirl defined instead of muddy.
Can these cookies be frozen already baked?
They sure can! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat. You can also warm them slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe that brings joy to baking and sharing at the holidays. Their colorful swirls and buttery sweetness make every bite feel like a celebration. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands doughy, and enjoy crafting these charming cookies to spread smiles all season long.
