There’s something truly magical about Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. With their vibrant red and green swirls, they bring a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering. These cookies have a creamy, tender texture that melts in your mouth, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make, and the colors make them a delightful treat for Christmas parties or cozy afternoons at home.

Colorful Christmas pinwheel cookies arranged on a festive plate

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These pinwheel cookies are perfect for the holiday season! They’re simple to prepare and use everyday ingredients you probably already have. Plus, they don’t require any special skills, making them great for beginner bakers. Families love making them together. It’s a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen, and the festive colors are sure to brighten up your celebrations.

How to Make Pinwheel Cookies

The process of making these cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. You start by mixing the dough, then divide it into colorful sections. After chilling the dough, you roll it up, slice it, and bake. In no time, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting aroma, and your family will be excited to try these sweet treats.

What You Need

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 & green gel food coloring
Holiday colored nonpareils
Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon of additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest

Step-by-Step

Combine butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a mixer and beat well until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, vanilla, and any flavoring (if desired), scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl.
Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Divide the dough into three even-sizes balls.
Return 1/3 of the dough to the mixing bowl and add 5-10 drops of red gel food coloring, mixing well until the dough is evenly colored. Repeat with another 1/3 of the dough and the green food coloring.
Flatten each ball of dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge for 1 hour.
Roll out each disc of dough, one at a time, on a piece of parchment paper to create rectangles that are roughly the same size and shape. Stack the thin layers of dough on top of each other with white in the middle and red and green on the top and bottom. Trim the long sides so that the edges are even. The shorter ends can be trimmed later after you roll the dough into a log.
Carefully roll the dough into a nice, tight log, using the bottom piece of parchment paper to lift the dough and help you roll it to avoid cracks. Then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.
Once the dough is chilled, roll in nonpareils on a baking sheet to coat the outside of each cookie. Press the dough into the sprinkles to get them to stick and give good coverage. You can slice and bake the cookies right away, or wrap them up and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week to slice and bake as needed.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unwrap the roll of cookie dough and cut off the uneven ends. Slice into 1/4-inch cookies using a sharp knife and space them 1-2 inches apart on the parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until set, then cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve Pinwheel Cookies

These festive cookies are a lovely addition to any holiday dessert platter. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make great holiday gifts. Wrap them in pretty boxes or bags, and share them with friends and family to spread the holiday cheer.

How to Store Pinwheel Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolled dough before slicing. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake.

Recipe Tips

Chill the dough long enough to make slicing easier.
Use a sharp knife for clean edges on your cookies.
Press the nonpareils firmly onto the dough to ensure they stick.
Experiment with different holiday color gels for a unique look.
If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle with a bit of flour when rolling.

Variations & Swaps

Add different color gels for a rainbow effect.
Swap out vanilla extract for almond or lemon for a new taste.
Use mini chocolate chips mixed into the dough for a sweet surprise.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Just wrap it well and store it in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before rolling.

Can I freeze baked cookies?
Absolutely! Once the cookies are baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
Liquid food coloring works, but it might affect the texture slightly. Start with a few drops and mix until you achieve the desired color.

Can I use different sprinkles?
Of course! Use any holiday-themed sprinkles you like. The important thing is that they match the festive spirit.

What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
To warm slightly, preheat the oven to 300°F and place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious!