Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

why make this recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are festive, colorful, and fun to make — perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy baking day with family. They look impressive but rely on simple cookie dough and basic techniques, making them accessible for home bakers of all levels.

introduction

These classic holiday cookies feature swirls of colored dough rolled into cheerful pinwheels. The dough is buttery and lightly sweet, and the bright spirals add a playful touch to your cookie platter. They also slice and bake evenly, so you’ll get consistent results with minimal fuss.

how to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Making these pinwheel cookies is mostly a matter of preparing a single buttery dough, dividing and coloring it, then layering and rolling to create the spiral. Chill the log well so the slices hold their shape, then bake until the edges are just golden. The method is straightforward and yields pretty, uniform cookies.

Ingredients :

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions :

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into halves and color each half with different food coloring.
6. Roll each colored dough between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles.
7. Layer the dough rectangles on top of each other, then roll them up tightly to form a log.
8. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
12. Let cool on wire racks and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

how to serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Arrange the cooled pinwheels on a festive platter or tiered cookie stand. They pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. For a holiday gift, stack them in a decorative tin or cello-bag with a ribbon.

how to store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Chill the dough well before slicing — cold dough slices keep their spiral shape better while baking.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, less watery color.
• Roll the rectangles evenly to keep the pinwheel spiral uniform.
• If the dough becomes too soft while working, return the log to the fridge for 15–30 minutes before slicing.
• Slice with a sharp, thin knife and wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.

variation (if any)

• Make multicolored pinwheels by dividing the dough into more than two colors and layering thinner strips.
• Flavor one half with cocoa powder for a chocolate swirl.
• Add finely chopped nuts or sprinkles between layers for extra texture and festive flair.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — you can prepare and chill the dough log, then wrap and freeze it. Slice and bake directly from the fridge (add a minute or two to the baking time if starting from frozen).

Q: Will the colors bleed during baking?
A: If you use gel coloring and don’t over-hydrate the dough, colors should stay distinct. Avoid adding extra liquid.

Q: Can I use different shapes?
A: The classic pinwheel comes from rolling layers into a log, but you can also flatten and cut shapes from layered slabs for different presentations.

Conclusion

For a trusted tutorial and more ideas for these festive treats, see the detailed recipe at SugarHero’s Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe.