Christmas is a time of joy, family, and delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of stunning Christmas Pinwheel Cookies? These visually appealing cookies are not only festive in appearance but also a delight to munch on, thanks to their buttery, soft texture and subtly sweet flavor. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply to fill your cookie jar at home, these pinwheel cookies will undoubtedly bring a warm, cheerful spirit to your festivities. Get your family involved and create some unforgettable holiday memories in the kitchen!
Why make this recipe
What makes this recipe special
One of the best things about Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is their versatility. They’re perfect for holiday parties but also great for a cozy night in. The delightful swirl of red and green colors not only looks impressive but is a treat for the taste buds as well.
"I made these cookies for our family get-together, and they were the star of the show! Everyone loved the colors and flavors—it felt like Christmas in every bite!" – Sarah T.
These cookies are quick to prepare and allow for creative expression, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, you can make the dough ahead of time and bake them later, which is a major plus during the busy holiday season.
How to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
The cooking process explained
Crafting these festive pinwheel cookies is a fun, step-by-step process that’s easier than you might think. It involves blending simple ingredients, chilling the dough, and rolling it out to create the signature pinwheel design. Here’s an overview of how you’ll make this delightful treat:
- Cream the butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in the dry ingredients.
- Color the dough and chill.
- Roll, stack, and cut the dough.
- Bake and enjoy!
What you’ll need
Gather these items
To create your own Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups 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 for different flavor notes
Feel free to substitute the sugars with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier alternative or try using gluten-free flour to cater to dietary restrictions.
Directions to follow
Step-by-step instructions
Ready to get rolling? Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:
Cream the butter and sugars: In your mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat well until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough: Separate the dough into three equal portions. Color one third of the dough red and another third green using gel food coloring, mixing well for even color. Leave the last third plain.
Chill the dough: Flatten each colored ball into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour or freeze for 20 minutes.
Roll out and layer: On parchment paper, roll each colored disc into a rectangle of the same size. Stack the red, white, and green layers together, trimming the sides for even edges.
Roll into a log: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment to assist. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill again for 1-2 hours.
Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled log in nonpareils and slice into 1/4-inch cookies, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
How to plate and pair
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are both a treat for the eyes and the palate. Serve them on a festive platter, dusted with powdered sugar or alongside a bowl of holiday-themed candies for a beautiful display. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for a truly delightful experience. For those planning a cookie exchange or holiday cookie box, these vibrant cookies will surely stand out!
Storage and reheating tips
How to store
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to save them for later, you can freeze the dough log before slicing—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The dough will maintain its quality for up to three months. When ready to bake, just slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Helpful cooking tips
Pro chef tips
- Prevent cracking: When rolling the dough into a log, make sure to use gentle pressure to avoid cracks. If cracks do occur, you can patch them up easily with your fingers.
- Color mixing: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the shades of your food coloring. Mixing hues can create beautiful pastel effects that are just as festive!
- Cutting tips: For cleaner cuts, use a serrated knife or a bench scraper when slicing the dough.
Creative twists
Different ways to try it
Feel free to switch things up! Here are some variations to consider:
- Flavor swaps: Incorporate peppermint extract for a minty twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe option for those with gluten intolerance.
- Fun toppings: Experiment with different sprinkles or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flair!
Your questions answered
Common questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While using margarine is possible, it may alter the texture slightly. We recommend using real butter for the best flavor and consistency.What’s the prep time?
The entire process of making these cookies can take about 30 minutes, plus chilling time of 1-2 hours. If you choose to freeze the dough, add extra time accordingly.Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
With these instructions, you’re all set to bring some holiday cheer into your home! Happy baking!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Could use gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 set red & green gel food coloring For coloring the dough.
- 1 set holiday colored nonpareils For decoration.
- 1/2-1 teaspoon additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest Optional for different flavor notes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Color one third red and another third green using gel food coloring. Leave the last third plain.
- Flatten each colored ball into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or freeze for 20 minutes.
- Roll each colored disc into rectangles on parchment paper, stack them, and trim edges.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using parchment to assist. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1-2 hours.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled log in nonpareils.
- Slice into 1/4-inch cookies and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack before serving.