Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Published: November 22, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

This incredible Christmas Pinwheel Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookies. Make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps create that perfect creamy base for your dough.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful crispy edge.
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together and adds richness to your cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a more robust flavor that elevates your cookies.
Food Coloring: Red and green gel food coloring will create those iconic festive swirls.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise perfectly without being too dense.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavor

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. This step is crucial because it sets the flavor profile—think warm hugs from grandma.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies!

Step 4: Divide and Color

Divide the dough in half. To one half, add red food coloring until you reach your desired shade; repeat with green on the other half. Now you have a rainbow of possibilities!

Step 5: Roll It Up

On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out each colored dough into rectangles about a quarter-inch thick. Place one layer on top of the other carefully. Roll them up tightly like a sleeping burrito.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Wrap the rolled dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re feeling patient). Once chilled, slice into rounds about half an inch thick and place onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

With these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies ready to go, you can bask in all their sugary glory! Whether enjoyed alone or shared among friends, they’re bound to bring joy—and maybe even some cookie-induced dance moves—to any gathering!

You Must Know About Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

This showstopping Christmas Pinwheel Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Sift together flour and spices first, then prepare the dough while chilling the rolled-out layers. Bake until golden brown and let cool before slicing for perfect pinwheels that won’t crumble.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out vanilla for almond extract, or add in crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist! You can also experiment with different colored sprinkles to match your holiday theme.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

This professional-quality Christmas Pinwheel Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about the time I made these cookies for my family’s holiday gathering. Their delighted faces lit up brighter than our Christmas tree when they took their first bites!

FAQs

What are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are delightful and visually appealing treats that feature vibrant swirls of color. These cookies are made from a simple sugar cookie dough, which is divided and colored using food coloring. The dough is then rolled into layers, creating beautiful pinwheel designs once sliced. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and make an impressive addition to any cookie platter. With their festive look and delicious taste, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring joy to all who enjoy them.

How do I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their texture and flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Can I customize my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is their versatility. You can experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond or peppermint to the dough. Additionally, you can use various colors of food coloring to match your holiday theme or personal preferences. Feel free to incorporate sprinkles or chocolate chips into the dough for added texture and taste.

What occasions are perfect for serving Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are ideal for a variety of occasions beyond just holiday parties. They work wonderfully as gifts during the festive season, thanks to their eye-catching appearance. You can also serve them at family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even bake sales. Their fun design and delicious flavor make them a crowd favorite at any event throughout the winter months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season with their colorful swirls and sweet flavor. They’re easy to customize and perfect for sharing with family and friends during various festive occasions. Remember to store these cookies properly to maintain their freshness, and don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and colors. Enjoy making and sharing your own batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies this year!

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📖 Recipe Card