The festive season just isn’t complete without a tray of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that reveals a surprise swirl of vibrant colors and flavors. Christmas fruitcake cookie variation Each bite is like unwrapping a present, evoking memories of laughter-filled days spent with family and friends. hot chocolate cookie delight peppermint swirl cookie recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ahead of time?
- What if my dough is too sticky?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful cookies are not just visually appealing; they bring together sweet and savory notes in perfect harmony. The anticipation of these treats baking in the oven fills the home with an inviting aroma, promising a taste sensation that’s both fun and festive.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time
- Their colorful swirls make them visually stunning, perfect for holiday celebrations
- The flavor profile is versatile, allowing for creative combinations based on your preferences
- They make great gifts or party treats that everyone will enjoy
I remember the first time I made Christmas Pinwheel Cookies; my family couldn’t stop raving about how pretty they looked and how delicious they were. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together for that perfect cookie consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour helps achieve the right texture.
- Baking Powder: A small amount makes the cookies rise perfectly.
- Food Coloring: Choose your favorite colors to create vibrant swirls.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top, adding an extra touch of sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a dreamy base for your cookies.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in one egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and silky at this stage.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sifted flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough into two equal parts. Add different food colorings to each half, mixing until colors are bright and uniform. This is where the magic happens!
Roll It Up!: On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out each colored dough into rectangles about ¼ inch thick. Place one layer on top of the other carefully, then roll them tightly into a log shape.
Chill and Slice: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, slice it into rounds about ½ inch thick; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, bake those beauties! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while arranging cookie slices on the sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
Once baked, let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for that festive flair! There you have it—colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies that not only look great but taste fantastic too! Enjoy making memories as you share these delightful treats during the holiday season! Grinch-themed sugar cookies.
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just pretty; they also bring festive cheer to your holidays
- The swirl of colors and flavors is sure to make anyone smile, and the aroma will have your family flocking to the kitchen
- A great way to involve kids in baking too!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your doughs separately, chilling them for better handling. Roll them together carefully, ensuring even layers for that beautiful pinwheel effect.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional flavors like peppermint with caramel or espresso for a unique twist. Add sprinkles for an extra festive flair!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When rolling the dough, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Always chill the dough before slicing for cleaner pinwheel shapes
- If using food coloring, opt for gel for more vibrant swirls without altering texture
Baking these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies takes me back to my childhood when my mom would let me choose the colors. I remember one year turning our kitchen into a rainbow explosion, and we ended up with more frosting on ourselves than on the cookies!
FAQ
Can I make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the dough up to a month in advance.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Dust your work surface with flour or refrigerate the dough briefly to firm it up.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They will stay fresh for about one week if stored properly in an airtight container.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive charm of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, where a buttery cookie base meets vibrant swirls of color and flavor. Each cookie is a delightful surprise, bringing joy and nostalgia to your holiday gatherings. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Food coloring (as desired)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together sifted flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, adding different food colors to each half until well mixed.
- Roll out each colored dough between parchment paper into rectangles about ¼ inch thick. Layer them and roll tightly into a log shape.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into rounds about ½ inch thick and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg






