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As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but reminisce about the cheerful chaos of my childhood kitchen. The warmth from the oven, the laughter of family gathered around, and the delightful smells creating an atmosphere that’s nothing short of festive magic. This year, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s become a staple for my holiday celebrations: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These beauties aren’t just a treat for the taste buds; they add a sprinkle of color and whimsy to any dessert platter!

You might be wondering what sets these cookies apart. It’s the combination of vibrant red and green doughs rolled together to create an eye-catching spiral, sprinkled with festive nonpareils for that extra holiday flair. Each bite offers a buttery sweetness that’s perfectly balanced, making them a delightful diversion from the usual baked goods. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, bringing a festive cheer without the fuss! Let’s dive into creating these fun and flavor-packed cookies that are guaranteed to brighten your holiday gatherings!

Why love Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Festive Colors: The striking red and green swirls make these cookies a visual delight, perfect for your holiday spread.
Simple to Make: Despite their impressive look, the process is straightforward, ensuring that both novice and seasoned bakers can create these treats with ease.
Buttery Goodness: Each bite envelops your taste buds in a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with a cup of cocoa or holiday tea.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, will adore these cheerful cookies, making them a must-have for festive family gatherings.
Versatile Options: Feel free to tweak the flavoring with lemon zest or other extracts to suit your taste! For more festive inspiration, check out our best holiday cookie recipes.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to whip up something special!

For the Dough

Salted butter – ¾ cup, softened to ensure easy mixing.
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (150g), adds a subtle sweetness to balance the cookies.
Powdered sugar – ¾ cup (150g), for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Large eggs – 2, they help bind the ingredients together for a smooth dough.
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (353g), the foundation of this delicious cookie dough.
Baking powder – ½ teaspoon, to ensure your cookies rise nicely.
Salt – ½ teaspoon, bringing out all the flavors in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.

For the Festive Touch

Red & green gel food coloring – Adds vibrant colors for a cheerful holiday look.
Holiday colored nonpareils – For a fun, decorative coating that makes these cookies pop!
Optional flavoring – ½-1 teaspoon of additional extracts or lemon zest can elevate the cookie’s taste to your liking.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate everything nicely—it should be smooth and creamy!
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is just combined. Then, divide the resulting dough into three equal-sized balls.
Color the Dough: Choose one of the dough balls and return it to the mixer. Add 5-10 drops of red gel food coloring, mixing well until evenly colored. Repeat this with another ball of dough using green food coloring.
Chill the Dough: Flatten each colored ball into a disc shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes or place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up before rolling.
Roll Out Dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll one disc of dough at a time into a rectangle. Stack the colors with white dough in the center and red and green on the outside, trimming the edges for evenness.
Form a Log: Carefully lift the parchment and roll the dough tightly into a log shape, ensuring it’s uniform without cracks. Wrap in plastic wrap again and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 1-2 hours until firm.
Coat in Nonpareils: Once chilled, roll the dough log in holiday-colored nonpareils, pressing gently to ensure they adhere and cover the outside evenly.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F while you line a baking sheet with parchment paper, prepping for the delightful baking ahead.
Slice Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough and trim any uneven ends. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookies, spacing them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their texture.

Optional: Serve with a warm beverage for the perfect holiday treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just make sure they are in an airtight container to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.

Reheating: For a freshly-baked taste, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, restoring that delicious buttery flavor!

What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

As you prepare to bring festive cheer to your gatherings, consider these delightful pairings that enhance the joy of your cookies.

Rich Hot Chocolate: This indulgent drink complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy holiday vibe.
Spiced Gingerbread Latte: The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg in this latte pairs perfectly with the colorful cookies, evoking holiday nostalgia.
Peppermint Bark: With its contrasting texture and refreshing mint flavor, this treat creates a delightful balance alongside your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A creamy dip adds a luscious layer to the cookie experience, inviting friendly dunking and sharing around the table.
Cranberry Orange Mimosas: These bright and zesty sippers elevate your dessert spread, adding a festive touch that’s both refreshing and celebratory.

For a truly festive treat, consider serving the cookies on a beautifully decorated platter, mixed with other holiday delights. Celebrate these moments with loved ones, and let laughter sprinkle through the air like confetti!

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these festive treats with delightful surprises!

Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread for a creamy texture without dairy.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. Just ensure good mixing!
Citrus Twist: Add some lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the buttery dough. A delightful zing in every bite!
Minty Fresh: Mix in mint extract to the dough for a cheerful minty flavor that pairs perfectly with the holiday spirit.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added crunch and flavor depth. Adds a cozy, homemade feel!
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm spice that screams holiday cheer. A lovely aromatic twist!
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an indulgent touch that takes them to the next level. Decadent and delicious!
Flavors of Eggnog: Use eggnog instead of vanilla extract with a sprinkle of nutmeg, wrapping the cookies in festive flavors reminiscent of a holiday classic.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the colored dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply chill the wrapped discs in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll and bake them. Alternatively, after forming the log, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy these festive treats, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, then slice and bake. This way, you’ll have delicious, vibrant cookies ready to impress with minimal effort, perfect for those busy holiday weeks!

Expert Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing, leading to a lighter texture in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling steps! Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing sticking and helping you achieve those perfect slices without cracking.
Coloring Technique: When adding food coloring, start with a few drops and mix well, as you can always add more. Achieve vibrant hues without overpowering the dough’s flavor.
Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the cookies evenly; this ensures they bake uniformly. Uneven slices can result in some cookies being over or undercooked.
Storage Tip: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer-lasting festive joy!

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps to create that light, fluffy texture in your dough. When selecting eggs, go for the freshest ones you can find, ideally from a local source if available. Fresh eggs should have a clean, unblemished shell and a slightly rounded shape.

What are the best storage methods for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
To keep your festive cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, they can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re well-protected to prevent drying out!

How can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Freezing is a great way to keep the flavors intact! To freeze unbaked cookie logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to further protect against freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the log out of the freezer, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, slice, and bake as usual!

What should I do if my cookie dough cracks while rolling?
If you notice cracks forming while rolling your dough, don’t worry! Just use the parchment paper as a guide to gently roll it back together, and if needed, you can press the edges to seal any cracks before chilling. The key is to ensure the dough is chilled adequately for easier rolling, reducing chances of cracks.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works for baking, such as almond flour, coconut flour, or a store-bought gluten-free all-purpose mix. Just ensure you also check the label for any allergens, as cross-contamination can occur. Additionally, be mindful of the powdered sugar used—some brands may contain cornstarch that could trigger allergies.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
Absolutely not! While the ingredients in Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are safe for human consumption, they are not suitable for pets. The sugars and butter can upset their stomachs, and chocolate or other flavorings used in some variants can be toxic. Always keep these delightful treats out of reach from your furry friends!