There is something so magical about the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe that makes holiday baking feel truly special. These cookies combine the festive colors of red, green, and white into whimsical spirals that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With a tender, buttery texture and a touch of sweetness, this recipe brings joy and warmth to the kitchen, making it a perfect treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies offer a fun, colorful way to celebrate Christmas through baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each holding a smooth ball of dough. The top bowl contains light beige dough with a soft, slightly textured surface. The bottom left bowl has bright green dough with a smooth and even texture, some green dough residue is visible on the bowl's sides. The bottom right bowl holds bright red dough, also smooth but with red streaks left behind inside the bowl. The colors are vivid and distinct, making each dough ball stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential for achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive color in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their buttery richness and lovely swirl design.

3 cups (360 g) all purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their structure and tender crumb.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just a little, keeping them light.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel flavor and moisture.
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
1 large egg at room temperature: Binds the dough and contributes to a soft texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Offers a warm, fragrant note that elevates the flavor.
½ teaspoon each red and green food coloring: The magic behind those striking Christmas colors.
½ cup Holiday sprinkles: For an extra festive touch that adds fun and color around the edges.

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Start by combining the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This dry mix is the foundation of your dough, and setting it aside ensures even incorporation later.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until smooth and fluffy. This step traps air into the mixture, which helps create that tender cookie texture we all love.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients help bind the dough while adding richness and depth of flavor, making every bite flavorful.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until you no longer see streaks of flour. This is where your dough begins to come together—smooth but not overly worked.

Step 5: Divide and color the dough

Split the dough into three equal parts. Into one portion, knead in red food coloring; into another, green; and leave the last one untouched to keep it white. Mixing the colors evenly is key for creating those iconic pinwheels.

Step 6: Roll out rectangles and layer

On a lightly floured surface, roll each colored dough into approximately 12 by 8 inch rectangles. Then, stack the dough layers in the order of green on the bottom, white in the middle, and red on top. This layering sets the stage for the beautiful swirl effect.

Step 7: Roll into a log and coat with sprinkles

From the long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log. The tighter the roll, the clearer the pinwheel patterns will be when sliced. Then roll the log in holiday sprinkles for a festive, sparkly outer crust. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 3 hours to help it firm up.

Step 8: Bake your cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼ inch thick slices and place them cut side down on the baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies puff slightly and develop a light golden hue. Don’t forget to rotate your trays halfway through baking for even results.

Step 9: Cool completely

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely ensures the cookies set nicely and hold their stunning pinwheel shape.

How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

The image shows a long, rolled pastry with three visible layers, resting on a white marbled surface. The outer layer is bright red and smooth, wrapping tightly around a middle thin beige layer that serves as a border. Inside, the innermost layer is a vibrant green, coiled neatly in a spiral at the end facing the viewer. The roll is cylindrical, with clean and smooth edges, and the colors are bold and evenly spread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are already festive with sprinkles, consider dusting with a little powdered sugar or even dipping one edge in white chocolate for an extra special touch. Adding edible glitter enhances their party-ready appearance, making them irresistible under the holiday lights.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with traditional holiday drinks. Serve alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, spiced eggnog, or a warm chai latte to complement the buttery sweetness. They also make charming additions to cookie platters featuring gingerbread or peppermint bark for a dynamic dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap a stack of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe treats in clear cellophane tied with a bright red or green ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts. Arrange them on festive platters with holiday greenery or nestle them inside a holiday-themed cookie jar for eye-catching kitchen decor. Creating mini cookie bouquets by inserting sticks in the center of cooled cookies is a playful idea kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to five days. Avoid stacking them too densely to preserve their shape and prevent smudging those pretty swirls.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing. If freezing baked cookies, separate layers with parchment paper inside an airtight container to avoid sticking and freezer burn.

Reheating

To refresh cookies after storage, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the buttery softness and brings back their fresh-baked appeal without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually preferred since it provides more vibrant colors without impacting the dough’s consistency. Just use a tiny amount to achieve the rich red and green swirls.

What can I use instead of holiday sprinkles?

If you don’t have sprinkles, finely chopped nuts or colored sugar crystals work beautifully too. These alternatives add texture and a seasonal sparkle around the edges.

How thick should I slice the cookie log?

Slice about ¼ inch thick for cookies that bakes evenly with the ideal balance of crispy edges and tender centers. Thicker slices can take longer to bake and may be doughy inside.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for making dough in advance. Chill the dough log for a minimum of 3 hours or wrap and refrigerate overnight before baking at your convenience.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly and helps the layers keep their shape during baking so that iconic pinwheel design stays sharp and distinct.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe enough for bringing a burst of color, flavor, and festive fun into your holiday baking routine. They truly shine as a joyful treat for your family, friends, or cookie exchanges. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making memories as you create these delightful swirled cookies that look just as good as they taste.