If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that will absolutely wow your friends and family this holiday season, look no further than this Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together bright red, green, and buttery vanilla layers swirled into eye-catching pinwheels that taste just as delightful as they look. With a crisp edge, tender crumb, and a sparkling sugar finish, these cookies are true showstoppers that fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of vanilla and holiday cheer. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or just sneaking a few while wrapping presents!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making these cookies shine. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s building flavor, texture, or that vibrant holiday color that makes these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe so memorable.
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation for a rich, tender dough that melts in your mouth.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a delicate crispness on the cookie edges.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together while adding moisture and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that is quintessentially festive.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure builder, providing just the right amount of chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies light and tender.
- Red gel food coloring: For that perfect pop of holiday red in the pinwheel swirl.
- Green gel food coloring: Adds the festive green hue to complete the classic Christmas color trio.
- Red sanding sugar: Sprinkles on top for a sparkling, sweet crust and extra holiday magic.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together in your stand mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies achieve that perfect tender texture. Then mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, which brings moisture and those comforting flavor notes that make the dough irresistible.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet
Whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture on low speed. This slow integration prevents overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough, so aim for just combined. After mixing, divide your dough evenly into three portions—this is where the fun of creating colorful pinwheels begins.
Step 3: Color the Dough
Add red gel food coloring to one third of the dough and green gel to another, mixing until the colors are vibrant and uniform. Leave the last third plain for a classic vanilla layer. Wrap each dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a full hour; chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the colors hold their shape nicely.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough Squares
Place each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper and roll them into neat 7-inch squares. The parchment prevents sticking and makes handling the dough simpler. After rolling, chill the squares again for about 15 minutes to firm them up before assembling your pinwheels.
Step 5: Assemble the Pinwheel Layers
Carefully stack the dough squares in this order: red on the bottom, then green, and finally the plain dough on top. Press gently to adhere the layers together and roll this stack out into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Next, roll the rectangle tightly from the short end into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal. Freeze the log for at least one hour; this step ensures clean slices that won’t lose their pinwheel design while baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into 1/3-inch thick rounds—each one revealing the beautiful spiral pattern inside. For extra sparkle and a neat finish, roll the edges of each cookie slice in red sanding sugar before placing them on your baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheets for a minute to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps develop that perfect snap when you bite into them. And just like that, your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these pinwheel cookies are stunning on their own, a little extra touch can elevate their festive vibe. Consider dusting the tops lightly with powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of white chocolate for a snowy effect. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy over the white chocolate adds delightful crunch and holiday aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie.
Side Dishes
Christmas pinwheel cookies pair magically with warm beverages like creamy hot cocoa, spiced chai tea, or a classic cup of coffee. For a broader holiday spread, serve them alongside other festive treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread men, or fruitcake slices. Their light texture and subtle sweetness balance richly spiced items perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests or add a festive touch to your gift-giving, arrange these cookies in a holiday-themed tin or tie a stack with a red and green ribbon. You can also embed them into ice cream sundaes or serve as a crunchy garnish on dessert platters. Their bright colors and swirl pattern make them a decorative as well as delicious addition to any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy their festive charm well after the baking frenzy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough log before slicing or freeze baked cookies. If freezing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag—thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. Baked cookies freeze well too, just place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. When properly stored, freezing keeps them fresh for up to three months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, simply heat them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or until just warmed through. This will revive their buttery aroma and slightly soften the edges without drying them out—perfect for cozy winter afternoons.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While regular liquid food coloring will work, gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency. Using gel ensures your pinwheels stay bright and beautiful without making the dough too wet.
How do I prevent the dough layers from separating when rolling the pinwheel?
Chill the dough between each rolling and stacking step, and press the layers gently but firmly together to adhere. Also, rolling the assembled layers into a log tightly will help the layers stick and create a clean spiral when sliced.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for one-to-one substitution. Just be sure to pick a blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Is there a way to make these cookies more festive or flavored?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday spice. Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint extract in the plain dough add a refreshing minty twist that complements the colors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the joy these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe brings to any holiday celebration. The bright colors, buttery deliciousness, and that satisfying swirl make them a treat you’ll want to bake year after year. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a few yourself, these cookies are sure to become a treasured tradition in your holiday baking lineup. So go ahead, grab your apron, and make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Print
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat featuring vibrant red, green, and plain dough layers rolled together to create a beautiful swirl pattern. Soft, buttery, and subtly sweet, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving, garnished with colorful red sanding sugar for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Coloring and Garnish
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Red sanding sugar to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step ensures a light and fluffy cookie base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing well until fully combined to add richness and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined to form a dough.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough evenly into three parts. Add red gel food coloring to one portion and green gel food coloring to another, leaving the third portion plain. Wrap each dough portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll Dough Portions: Roll each dough ball between parchment paper into approximately 7-inch squares. Place them back in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to maintain firmness.
- Assemble Layers: Stack the three dough layers on top of each other in the order of red, green, and plain. Roll the stacked layers into a 12×8-inch rectangle, then roll tightly into a log shape. Freeze the log for 1 hour to set.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Garnish Cookies: Slice the frozen dough log into 1/3-inch thick slices. Roll the edges of each slice in red sanding sugar for a festive sparkle and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until edges appear set but not browned. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chilling the dough at various stages helps maintain the cookie shape and distinct layers.
- Gel food coloring is preferred to keep the dough consistency smooth without adding extra liquid.
- Use parchment paper to roll dough smoothly and prevent sticking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
