When the holiday season rolls around, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me, bringing back memories of baking marathons in my childhood kitchen. The delightful scent of buttery cookies and sweet spices filled the air as my family gathered around, eagerly awaiting our annual tradition. This Christmas, I invite you to recreate that same warmth and joy with these festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Their vibrant red and green swirls don’t just look stunning; they’re the perfect blend of crispness and chewy goodness, making them a crowd favorite at every gathering.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone just dipping their toes into homemade treats, this recipe is so wonderfully simple and enjoyable that it’s sure to become a festive staple in your home. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring a fun splash of color to your holiday cookie platter—get ready to impress not just your family, but also anyone lucky enough to receive a bite of these delightful cookies!
Why will you love these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Colorful, festive appeal: Their eye-catching red and green swirls will make your holiday cookie trays look stunning.
Easy process: If you can mix, chill, and slice, you can create these delicious treats without fuss.
Sweetly versatile: Feel free to add your favorite flavoring extracts or citrus zest for a personal touch.
Crowd-pleaser: They’re a guaranteed hit at parties, making sharing all the more fun!
Perfect for gifting: Wrap these cookies for presents that bring joy and sweetness to friends and family alike.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to create something festive!
For the Cookie Dough
• 3/4 cup salted butter – This gives your cookies that rich, buttery flavor everyone loves.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely texture.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar – Ensures a tender crumb for your cookies.
• 2 large eggs – Acts as a binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses your cookies with warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for your cookies, providing structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise for that perfect chew.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
For the Festive Touch
• Red & green gel food coloring – Creates those beautiful, holiday-inspired swirls.
• Holiday colored nonpareils – Adds a fun crunch and a pop of color to your cookie exteriors.
• Optional: additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest – A delightful way to customize your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a beautiful base for your cookies.
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Add Eggs & Flavor: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, ensuring to scrape the bowl’s sides for an even blend of flavors, including any optional flavorings you desire.
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Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined. Once mixed, divide the dough into three equal balls for coloring.
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Color the Dough: Return one-third of the dough to the bowl and add red gel food coloring, mixing until it’s evenly colored. Repeat the same with another third using green gel food coloring; you’ll be creating the joyful swirls!
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Chill the Dough: Flatten each colored ball of dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill them in the freezer for 20 minutes or place them in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.
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Roll & Stack: On parchment paper, roll out each chilled disc into a rectangle. Stack them in this order: white, red, and green, ensuring edges are neat. Trim them if needed to maintain a uniform shape.
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Roll into a Log: With the help of the parchment paper, carefully roll the stacked dough into a tight log. Wrap it back in plastic wrap and chill again in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.
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Coat in Nonpareils: Once chilled, roll the dough log on a baking sheet covered in holiday nonpareils to coat the outer layer, making your cookies sparkle!
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
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Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the log, trim the uneven ends, and slice it into 1/4-inch thick cookies, placing them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake & Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, filling your kitchen with festive aromas.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra gourmet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can easily prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the recipe until rolling the dough into a log, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze it. If freezing, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your festive treats, slice the chilled log into cookies, roll them in nonpareils, and bake as directed. This way, you can sprinkle the holiday spirit into your gatherings without the last-minute hustle!
Expert Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Chill Time Matters: Be sure to chill the dough adequately; this prevents spreading and helps maintain those beautiful swirls.
- Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife for slicing the cookies evenly, ensuring they bake consistently and look perfect on your platter.
- Don’t Rush the Rolling: Take your time rolling the dough into a log; uneven rolls can lead to cracks or misshapen cookies during baking.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to incorporate additional flavoring extracts or zests for a unique twist, making your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies even more special!
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; overbaking can lead to hard cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations
Let your creativity shine with these delightful twists that can make your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies even more special!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a tasty gluten-free version. The texture will still be fabulous!
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Chocolate Swirls: Add cocoa powder to one portion of the dough instead of gel coloring for a rich, chocolatey treat that pairs perfectly with vanilla.
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Nutty Flavor: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to give your cookies a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor.
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Spiced Cookies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into your dough for a warm, aromatic Christmas spice that will make these cookies feel even more festive.
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Citrus Zest: Adding 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest brings a bright, cheerful flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the dough.
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Peppermint Twist: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract or crushed candy canes to evoke the spirit of the season with a refreshing burst of flavor.
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Dry Fruit Addition: Incorporate finely chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, for a sweet and tart surprise that complements the cookie’s buttery base.
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Icing Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for an extra layer of sweetness and beauty.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; just ensure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wrapped log of dough before baking. It can last up to 3 months. Just slice and bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready for a fresh batch.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warmed, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, enhancing that delightful taste of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Indulging in these vibrant cookies is just the beginning; let’s create a delightful holiday spread that will leave your guests enchanted.
- Festive Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, its creamy texture and nutmeg flavor beautifully complement the cookies’ sweetness.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: With marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles, it adds joy and warmth, making cookie pairing even more fun!
Imagine cozying up with a warm mug of cocoa and a plate of these colorful treats; it’s a scene straight from a holiday movie.
- Gingerbread Men: Their spicy warmth contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, buttery cookies, creating a balanced dessert table.
- Sugar Cookie Icing: A simple royal icing dip turns ordinary sugar cookies into a colorful canvas that kids and adults will love decorating together.
It’s like hosting a crafting party with cookies for a more interactive dessert experience.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage offers a fragrant, tart counterpoint to the rich sweetness of the pinwheel cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A smooth scoop enhances every bite, bringing a delightful creaminess to offset the cookies’ texture.
Serve them alongside these pairings for a festive treat that celebrates the spirit of the season!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness for the butter?
Absolutely! For the best results, use room temperature butter that is slightly softened but not melted. It should yield to pressure but still hold its shape. You can achieve this by letting cold butter sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before starting your recipe.
How should I store my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Very simple! Store your freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week—just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the log of cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the frozen dough and bake without defrosting—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky or crumbly?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. If it feels too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to bring it together. Just be cautious not to overwork the dough!
Are these cookies safe for pets or allergies?
Make sure to keep these delightful treats away from pets, as the ingredients could be harmful, especially sugar and certain flavorings. Additionally, if anyone has allergies, be mindful of the eggs, butter, and any specific flavor extracts you choose to add. Consider using allergy-friendly substitutes like vegan butter or gluten-free flour if necessary.
What do I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
To prevent excessive spreading, always chill your cookie dough as instructed. If you find that your cookies still spread, they might have too much moisture. Adding a bit more flour to the dough during mixing can help maintain their shape. Just be mindful to achieve a balance; too much can result in dry cookies!
Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies That Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl's sides for an even blend of flavors.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal balls for coloring.
- Add red gel food coloring to one-third of the dough and mix until evenly colored. Repeat with green gel food coloring for another third.
- Flatten each colored ball into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or fridge for 1 hour.
- Roll out each chilled disc into a rectangle on parchment paper and stack them in the order: white, red, green.
- Carefully roll the stacked dough into a tight log using the parchment paper and chill again for 1-2 hours.
- Roll the dough log on a baking sheet covered in holiday nonpareils to coat the outer layer.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch.