Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Swirls

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect way to add cheerful color and buttery goodness to your holiday cookie platters. These cookies balance eye-catching red and green swirls with classic vanilla flavor a treat that not only looks festive but melts in your mouth with every bite. Over the years these have become a must at my family’s Christmas Eve the spiral shape and sugar coat never fail to make everyone smile.

The first time I served these at our neighborhood cookie swap they disappeared in minutes It is now my tradition to make two batches every December because my friends look forward to them all year

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the cookies their classic chewy bite choose a quality brand for best texture
• Baking powder: adds lift and a tender crumb
• Salt: enhances all the flavors use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Unsalted butter: creates a rich base let it soften fully for easy creaming
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps the cookies crisp just enough
• Large egg: binds the dough and adds a golden finish always use room temperature eggs for best results
• Vanilla extract: brings in warmth try to use pure extract for the deepest vanilla taste
• Red and green food coloring: creates that irresistible holiday swirl gel colors give the brightest hue
• Sprinkles: for that final festive touch use high quality jimmies so they do not bleed color

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In one large bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt until evenly combined In a second bowl cream butter and sugar together with a mixer at medium speed for at least three minutes or until very pale and fluffy Add your egg and vanilla extract and continue beating until fully incorporated Slowly add dry ingredients one third at a time mixing just until no streaks of flour remain Do not overmix or your cookies may turn out tough

Color the Dough:

Divide your completed dough evenly into two bowls Using a clean spoon or silicone spatula mix red food coloring into one portion and green into the other Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve vibrant color Roll each colored dough separately on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick I have found a ruler or offset spatula helps create perfect edges

Assemble the Cookies:

Carefully lift the green dough and place it flat on top of the red dough, using the parchment paper to help align the sides If the dough becomes sticky slide it onto a baking sheet and chill for ten minutes before proceeding Gently roll up the stacked dough rectangles into a tight log then scatter a generous layer of sprinkles onto fresh parchment Roll the dough log so it is evenly coated in sprinkles Wrap in plastic and place in the refrigerator for at least sixty minutes until very firm Chilling is key for keeping those pinwheel rings sharp

Bake:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Once the log is well chilled use a sharp knife to slice cookies about half an inch thick Lay slices on a parchment lined baking sheet spaced an inch apart Bake until edges are just set and the centers look dry eight to twelve minutes Watch closely to avoid browning Let cookies cool on the tray for five minutes before transferring to a rack These taste best once completely cooled so the swirl holds

The sprinkles are my favorite part They literally sparkle and add a tiny crunch Every year my youngest helps choose the sprinkle colors and insists on rolling the dough log which makes for wonderful memories and messy fingers

Storage Tips

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week If you want them to stay super soft add a slice of sandwich bread to the container For longer storage freeze the sliced unbaked dough in layers separated by parchment and bake straight from frozen adding two extra minutes to the bake time Fully baked cookies freeze well stacked between sheets of parchment in zip top bags Thank me later when you have instant cookies for last minute guests

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a richer flavor try swapping half the vanilla extract for almond You can use plant based butter if making these dairy free but make sure it is one that stays firm at cool room temperature No food coloring on hand Natural powdered colors like matcha or beet work but the shades will be more pastel Cane sugar can be swapped for granulated in a pinch but avoid brown sugar which changes the texture

Serving Suggestions

Show off the pretty spirals by arranging cookies in neat rows or stacking them on a holiday platter These make a fantastic edible gift just tuck a handful into clear cellophane bags with pretty ribbon For parties try pairing with hot cocoa or spiced tea If you are building a dessert spread these brighten up any plate next to chocolate treats and gingerbread

Cultural And Historical Context

Pinwheel cookies are inspired by classic slice and bake refrigerator cookies which became very popular in America during the mid twentieth century Holiday swirled versions have been a staple at cookie swaps since at least the 1970s Making cookies with kids has long been a bonding holiday tradition in many families and these vibrant pinwheels evoke that spirit

Seasonal Adaptations

Pick any two bold gel colors to match Easter Halloween or birthday party themes Swap red and green for blue and white to create a winter wonderland effect Use pastel colored sprinkles in spring or rainbow hues for year round celebration

Success Stories

I once gave a box of these to my neighbor as a thank you for snow blowing my sidewalk He told me they were almost too pretty to eat but finished the box in a single evening A friend of mine makes these every year with her daughter switching up the colors for whatever their winter mood Bringing a tray to a teacher appreciation event earned me several recipe requests and big smiles

Freezer Meal Conversion

Wrap your dough logs tightly in plastic and slide them into freezer bags Label with baking instructions They will keep for up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking or bake straight from frozen with a slightly longer bake time

These cookies are as beautiful as they are tasty and a guaranteed showstopper on any holiday table. Make a double batch because they truly disappear fast.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve vibrant color swirls?

Use gel food coloring for intense red and green hues, evenly kneading into each dough half before layering and rolling.

→ What's the key to distinct pinwheel patterns?

Chill the rolled dough log thoroughly before slicing to ensure sharp, defined layers and prevent colors from blending.

→ Can I customize the colors and sprinkles?

Absolutely. Switch up food colors and sprinkle varieties to fit any festive occasion or personal preference.

→ How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled and slice cookies evenly, placing them on a cool, lined baking sheet before baking.

→ How do you store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.