There’s a delightful thrill that sweeps through the kitchen when the festive season approaches, and nothing feels quite as cheerful as crafting a batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. The moment I pulled these colorful treats out of the oven, my home transformed into a holiday wonderland. The vibrant swirls of red and green, dotted with playful nonpareils, don’t just look festive; they taste like pure joy wrapped in buttery sweetness.
I remember the first time I offered these cookies at a holiday gathering. The way friends and family lit up as they took their first bite was priceless. Made with simple ingredients, these pinwheel cookies are not only easy to prepare but also offer a delightful surprise for anyone who takes a slice. Perfect for sharing or as a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday baking game. Let’s dive into the fun and create some magical memories together!
Why Love Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Visual Appeal: These cookies boast stunning swirls of red and green, instantly bringing festive cheer to your holiday table.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create bakery-quality cookies without any fuss.
Flavorful Delight: The buttery richness, combined with optional flavoring extracts, promises a taste that captivates every palate.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in festive boxes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Crowd-Pleaser: These delightful treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, making you the star baker of the season!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to blend colors and flavors!
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup salted butter – a key ingredient that brings richness and moisture to your Christmas pinwheel cookies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – this adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar – for that soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- 2 large eggs – essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet aroma and flavor into the dough.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the main structure of the cookies; don’t overmeasure!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – ensures your cookies rise just enough for that perfect bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Color and Decor
- Red & green gel food coloring – create those festive swirls that make your cookies pop!
- Holiday colored nonpareils – sprinkle on the outside for an extra jolly crunch.
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon of additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest – customize the flavor to your liking for a delightful twist.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
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Combine butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to creating a great texture in your cookies.
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Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated, creating a lovely creamy base for your dough.
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Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Once mixed, divide the dough into three equal-sized balls to prepare for coloring.
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Color the dough by returning 1/3 to the mixing bowl. Add 5-10 drops of red gel food coloring and mix well. Repeat this process with 1/3 of the dough, using green gel food coloring for a vibrant festive look.
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Flatten each ball of dough into a disc and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up the dough for rolling.
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Roll out each disc of dough on parchment paper, creating even rectangles. Stack the layers: white in the middle, red on top, and green on the bottom. Trim the edges to ensure they align perfectly.
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Roll the dough into a tight log using parchment paper to lift as you go. This helps prevent cracks! Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.
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Coat the chilled dough logs in nonpareils on a baking sheet, allowing the sprinkles to adhere nicely to the outside of each cookie.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
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Unwrap the cookie dough log, cutting off the uneven ends. Slice into 1/4-inch cookies and space them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared parchment.
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Once baked, cool them completely on a wire rack before indulging.
Optional: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional nonpareils on the cookies after baking!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Christmas pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, place the cookies in the fridge where they can stay fresh for up to 1 week. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, keeping them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through—perfect for that fresh-baked taste!
Tips for the Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the colored dough before rolling it. This helps prevent cracks and makes it easier to manage while shaping.
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Equal Sizes: Ensure that the colored dough balls are divided evenly to maintain uniformity when rolling; uneven pieces can lead to inconsistent cookie sizes.
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Tight Rolling: Roll the log tightly using the parchment paper to keep the swirls defined. A loose roll can lead to cookies that unfurl during baking.
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Right Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Cold butter can result in dense cookies rather than the light, fluffy texture we want.
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Bake in Batches: If you’re baking multiple trays, do them in batches to ensure even baking. Always use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Indulging in these festive treats opens up a world of delightful pairings that elevate their charm even further.
- Hot Cocoa: A rich mug of hot cocoa creates a cozy, warming contrast to the buttery cookies, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Fruity Assorted Cheeses: A platter featuring creamy brie and tangy cranberry cheddar complements the sweetness of the cookies with contrasting flavors.
- Peppermint Bark: This chocolatey treat pairs fabulously well, enhancing the holiday spirit with refreshing minty flavors echoing the festive vibe.
- Spiced Tea: A comforting cup of warm spiced tea balances sweetness with aromatic spices, making it a heartwarming companion.
- Mixed Nuts: The crunch of mixed nuts adds texture and a savory element, creating a satisfying contrast to the soft, sweet cookies.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of cinnamon ice cream alongside for a luxurious pairing; the creaminess melds beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness.
- Fruit Tart: A tangy fruit tart brings a delightful freshness to the table, complementing the rich buttery cookie flavors with a burst of fruit.
- Holiday Punch: Craft a festive punch with fruity notes and a hint of spice that captures the essence of the season, enhancing the cookie experience.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These luxurious berries provide both sweetness and a hint of tartness that pairs excellently with your pinwheel cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for those busy holiday seasons! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps—mixing the ingredients, coloring the dough, and rolling it into a log. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best quality, after chilling, roll the dough in nonpareils before slicing and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the prepared dough for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before slicing. When you’re ready to enjoy your festive cookies, simply bake them as directed, and they’ll taste just as delightful as if made fresh that day!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel inspired to put your unique twist on these delightful cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to keep the texture just right.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of salted butter for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Colorful Swirls: Try using pastel colors or even different themed colors to match your holiday decor!
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the dough with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist on flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful, crunchy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor that evokes holiday comfort.
- Chocolate Swirls: Incorporate cocoa powder into one of the colored portions for a rich chocolatey layer.
- Zesty Options: Add lemon or orange zest in the dough for a bright and fruity aroma that uplifts the flavors.
These variations beckon creativity, turning a classic holiday treat into something uniquely yours! Enjoy the process and let your imagination flow with each delightful bite!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose red and green gel food coloring?
Absolutely! When selecting gel food coloring, look for high-quality brands that provide vibrant results. Ensure the gels are not too watery, as thicker gels will give you richer colors without needing excessive amounts. A little goes a long way, so start with just 5 drops and adjust to your desired intensity!
How should I store my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Christmas pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their life, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure to keep them sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the cookie dough, once you’ve rolled it into logs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then slice and bake as usual!
What should I do if my dough cracks while rolling?
Very! If your dough cracks while rolling it up, don’t worry too much. This can happen if the dough is too cold or if you’re rolling too tightly. Just let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly, then try rolling it again. If it continues to crack, you can patch it with a bit of dough from the end; it won’t ruin your cookies!
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
If you’re baking for individuals with dietary restrictions, use allergen-free butter alternatives, such as vegan butter or coconut oil, to make these Christmas pinwheel cookies vegan. Just be sure to check for any nut allergies with the vanilla extract you choose, as some brands may have traces of nuts.
Delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Divide the dough into three equal-sized balls.
- Color the dough by adding red gel food coloring to one ball and green to another, mixing well.
- Flatten each ball into a disc and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Roll out each disc on parchment paper, stack layers: white in the middle, red on top, and green on the bottom.
- Roll the stacked dough into a tight log using parchment paper to lift it as you go. Wrap and chill for at least 1-2 hours.
- Coat the chilled logs in nonpareils, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unwrap dough log, cut off uneven ends, and slice into 1/4-inch cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Cool completely on a wire rack.