Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: A Festive Delight for Your Holiday Table

Name: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
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

by Chef Rita

Published on: 28/10/2025

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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a holiday tradition! Infused with festive colors and delightful flavors, these cookies are perfect for decorating your holiday cookie platters. Join me as we explore the charm of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies and learn how to make them at home.

Colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies arranged on a festive platter.

Why Choose This Recipe

When it comes to holiday baking, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies stand out for their whimsical design and vibrant colors. They offer a beautiful combination of sweetness, softness, and a hint of flavor that makes them irresistible. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also allow for creativity in the kitchen, making them the perfect project for families to enjoy together.

Flavor & Texture

Each bite offers a balanced combination of soft, buttery dough and a hint of vanilla sweetness. If you’d like to experiment, you can add almond or peppermint extract, or even a bit of lemon zest for a subtle citrus twist. The contrasting layers of red, green, and white evoke a sense of joy that tastes as good as it looks. For more festive dessert inspiration, explore our Desserts category.

Convenience & Time

Making these cookies is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. While they do need some chilling time, the hands-on work is quick, making them a great option for busy holiday baking. You can make the cookie dough in advance and slice and bake them whenever you need a fresh batch of treats. With just about 2 hours of preparation time, you’ll have scrumptious cookies ready to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

Here’s a simple list of what you need to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these simple steps to create your own Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:

Combine the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract (and any optional flavorings you like). Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to combine everything well.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
Divide the Dough: Split the dough into three equal balls. Take one ball and add 5-10 drops of red gel food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. Repeat this process with another ball using green gel food coloring.
Chill the Dough: Flatten each dough ball into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for an hour.
Roll the Dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll each disc out into a rectangle of similar size. Stack the layers to form red and green outer layers with white in the middle. Trim uneven edges if necessary.
Roll into a Log: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log using the parchment paper for support. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill again for 1-2 hours.
Coat in Nonpareils: Once firm, roll the log in holiday nonpareils, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Now you can slice and bake these gorgeous cookies or store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the dough log and slice it into 1/4-inch cookies, spacing them 1-2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Always chill the dough to maintain shape and clean swirls.
Use high-quality butter and vanilla for optimal flavor.
Press nonpareils firmly to ensure they adhere to the dough.
To prevent cracks, roll the dough while still pliable but cool.
For more baking and decorating expertise, visit Bon Appétit’s cookie decorating guide.

Ingredient Swaps

Looking to make a few changes? Here are some options:

Butter Alternatives: You can substitute unsalted butter if you prefer, just be mindful to balance out the salt.
Sugar Variations: Coconut sugar can be used for a lower glycemic index option, though it may slightly alter the taste.
Flour Alternatives: Try using almond or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, but be aware that it might alter the texture.

Healthy Option

If you want to make your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies more nutritious, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. This will give you more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Additionally, you could decrease the sugar slightly or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to replace some of the granulated sugar.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for a holiday gathering! Serve them alongside classic favorites like eggnog and hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with a festive fruit salad or a platter of cheese and crackers, providing a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. To maintain their freshness, store between layers of parchment paper. If you’d like to prepare in advance, you can keep the rolled dough in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking!

Nutrition & Health Benefits

While Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation, they can lighten your mood with the holiday spirit! Each cookie is a source of joy and contributes to celebrating togetherness during the holiday season. For more information about nutrition, you can check the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip the Chilling: Skipping the chilling steps can lead to cookies spreading too much during baking.
Overmixing the Dough: Avoid overmixing once you’ve added the dry ingredients; mixing just until combined is key to tender cookies.
Inaccurate Measurements: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately; using a kitchen scale can help ensure you get it right!

Hosting & Presentation Tips

Make your Christmas dessert table stunning by arranging your cookies on colorful platters. To elevate the presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or sprigs of mint. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling chocolate on top can also create a festive touch.

FAQs

Q1: How do I achieve even layers in my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

To get even layers, roll each dough disc out to the same thickness and size. Use a ruler if necessary to ensure consistency.

Q2: Can I use other colors besides red and green?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any gel food colors to create your unique spin on the traditional Pinwheel.

Q3: What if my dough is too soft to roll?

If the dough is too soft, give it an extra chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before trying to roll it again.

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies! Just place them in a sealed airtight container, and they’ll last for up to three months.

Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action

Enjoying Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is a glorious way to celebrate the holidays while making memories with loved ones. I encourage you to try this delightful recipe for yourself; it’s sure to bring joy and sweetness to your festive gatherings. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures by tagging #KozinaRecipes on social media! Happy baking!