Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas pinwheel cookies are an iconic holiday dessert that deliver visual appeal, nostalgic flavor, and undeniable festive spirit. Their colorful spirals immediately brighten any cookie assortment, and each buttery slice offers a soft texture with a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with seasonal beverages such as hot chocolate or spiced tea.

Although the spirals give the impression of a complicated recipe, the method is approachable. Classic sugar cookie dough is divided, colored, layered, rolled, and chilled. Once firm, the dough log is sliced into perfect pinwheel portions ready for baking. This process makes the cookies ideal for preparing in stages and even freezing weeks in advance.

Whether you are making them for a holiday cookie exchange, a family gathering, or as part of your annual baking tradition, these cookies are guaranteed to stand out. With their smooth spirals and rich hues, they become the type of treat people remember long after the holidays have passed.

PREP AND COOK TIME

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Red gel food coloring
• Green gel food coloring
• Red sanding sugar for garnish

HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS PINWHEEL COOKIES

Below you will find a detailed, beginner friendly method for creating perfect spirals every time. After each step, you will find an image prompt so you can generate photos of the process.

STEP 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and continue mixing. Scrape down the bowl as needed so the dough stays uniform.

STEP 2: Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. With the mixer on low, gradually add this dry mixture. Mix until combined, then divide the dough into three equal portions.

STEP 3: Color the dough

Return one portion to the mixer and blend in red gel food coloring. Remove and wipe bowl clean. Add another portion and blend in green coloring. Leave the final portion plain. Shape each into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for one hour.

STEP 4: Roll out the dough

Remove dough balls from the refrigerator. Roll each between parchment sheets into a 7 inch square. Chill again for 15 minutes.

STEP 5: Stack and roll into a log

Layer the dough starting with red, then green, then plain. Cover with parchment and roll into a 12 by 8 inch rectangle. Remove top parchment and tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Wrap and freeze for one hour.

STEP 6: Slice and bake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Slice the log into 1/3 inch rounds using a serrated knife. Roll edges in red sanding sugar and place one inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set. Cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a rack.

PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT PINWHEEL COOKIES

• Use gel food coloring for strong pigmentation without adding excess moisture.
• Make sure each dough layer is evenly rolled to maintain clean spirals.
• Chill thoroughly between steps to prevent sticking and distortion.
• For extra crisp edges, chill the sliced cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
• For uniform cookies, rotate the dough log as you cut to avoid flattening one side.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS AND PAIRINGS

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired thoughtfully.

• Serve alongside mugs of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or warm cider for a classic holiday treat.
• Arrange them on a cookie board with chocolate dipped pretzels, gingerbread cookies, and peppermint bark for a festive display.
• Include them in holiday gift tins with shortbread, spritz cookies, or almond snowball cookies.
• Pair them with whipped cream cheese dip flavored with vanilla for a lightly sweet complement.
• Add them to dessert tables next to trifles, cheesecakes, or chocolate mousse for color contrast.

NUTRITION TABLE

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 cookie	103	1g	13g	5g	1g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition estimates are approximate and can vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods. Consult a nutrition professional for specific dietary needs.

FAQs

Print