The holiday season is upon us, and there's nothing quite like the festive cheer that fills the kitchen while baking delicious treats. As soon as I unwrapped the colorful dough for these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, I couldn't help but smile at the vibrant swirls of red and green. They remind me of the joyous gatherings with family, where laughter mingles with the sweet aroma of fresh cookies filling the air. These delightful cookies are not just a feast for the eyes but also offer a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture accompanied by a delightful hint of vanilla. Perfect for sharing during holiday parties or simply enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa, their cheerful appearance makes them a surefire way to brighten up any festive occasion. Let's dive into creating these stunning Christmas Pinwheel Cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Why Love Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Festive and Colorful: These cookies add a vibrant touch to your holiday celebrations, making them a visual treat on any dessert table.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: With their soft, buttery consistency, each bite is pure bliss and pairs perfectly with hot cocoa.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels to enjoy creating, bringing festive joy right into your kitchen.
Customizable Fun: You can experiment with different color schemes and flavors, allowing each batch to be uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleaser: Their delightful appearance and flavor make these cookies a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering or cookie exchange.
Baking these cookies can also be a fun family activity, perfect for bonding and creating cherished memories.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter - Provides richness and moisture for a tender cookie. Substitute: Can use margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the cookies and aids in creating a desirable texture. Substitute: Coconut sugar for a less refined option.
• Egg - Binds the ingredients together and helps achieve the right structure. Substitute: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for vegan.
• Vanilla Extract - Adds flavor depth and enhances sweetness. Substitute: Almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour - Main structure ingredient; creates the cookie base. Substitute: Gluten-free all-purpose flour for gluten-free cookies.
• Kosher Salt - Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. No effective substitutions; use regular salt if unavailable, but adjust quantity.
• Baking Soda - Helps cookies rise and achieve a softer texture. No substitutions; essential for proper leavening.

For the Color
• Red Gel Food Coloring - Provides vibrant color for the cookie dough. Substitute: Liquid food coloring, but may affect the dough's consistency.
• Green Gel Food Coloring - Similar to red, gives the other portion of dough its festive hue. Same as above for substitution.

For the Garnish
• Red Sanding Sugar - Used for garnishing; adds sparkle and texture after baking. Substitute: Colored sugar or decorative sprinkles.

These colorful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a visual delight; they promise a scrumptious bite filled with festive flavors!

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the butter blend on low speed until just combined; the dough should be soft.
Color the Dough: Divide the dough into thirds, coloring one part with red gel food coloring and another with green. Leave the last portion uncolored. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
Roll and Layer Dough: On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, roll each colored dough into a 7-inch square. Stack them in the order of red, green, and uncolored, then roll tightly into a log. Chill again for 15 minutes.
Slice and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the log into ⅓-inch thick rounds. Roll the edges of each slice in red sanding sugar for a festive touch, then place them on lined baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are set but not browned. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Optional: Add extra holiday sparkle by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the colorful dough ahead of time and refrigerate it up to 24 hours. Simply follow the recipe until you've colored and shaped the dough into a log, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill. For maximum freshness, be sure to refrigerate the dough and not freeze it, as freezing may alter the texture. When you're ready to bake, slice the chilled log into rounds, roll in red sanding sugar, and bake as instructed. You'll have festive cookies that are just as delicious with minimal last-minute effort!

Tips for the Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Chill Time: Be diligent with refrigerating the dough; it helps maintain the beautiful swirl pattern and makes it easier to slice.
Egg Wash Hack: To make the sanding sugar stick well, lightly brush the edges of each cookie with water or an egg wash before rolling them in sugar.
Serrated Knife Use: Use a serrated knife to slice the log. This prevents squashing the dough and ensures that the stunning swirls of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies remain intact.
Consistent Sizes: For uniform cookie sizes, consider using a ruler or a guide to measure your slices. Each should be around ⅓-inch thick for even baking.
Flavor Innovations: Don't hesitate to experiment with flavored extracts! Swapping vanilla for peppermint or almond can give these cookies a unique twist, making each batch special.

What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Indulging in these festive treats pairs beautifully with a variety of delightful accompaniments to create an unforgettable holiday experience.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy chocolate flavor complements the buttery cookies and enhances the holiday spirit with each sip.
Peppermint Tea: This refreshing herbal drink adds a minty contrast that lifts the vanilla flavor of the cookies, making every bite joyful.
Festive Cheeses: Serve with a platter of soft cheese like brie or cream cheese blended with herbs for a savory touch amid the sweet treats.
Fruit Platter: Brighten your spread with slices of fresh strawberries, oranges, and apples-these fruits add a zingy freshness that balances the cookies' richness.
Sugar Cookies: Offer a variety of flavors and shapes to create a delightful cookie tray, making your holiday dessert spread even more enticing.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink is a classic holiday pairing, wrapping your taste buds in comfort that matches perfectly with the cookies.
Gingerbread Men: The warm spices of gingerbread create a beautiful contrast to the sweet and buttery cookies, adding to the festive variety.
Sparkling Cider: Serve this bubbly drink for a special touch, adding a festive flair that complements the celebratory nature of the cookies.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas provide a luscious, sweet contrast that pairs elegantly with the colorful pinwheel design.

These pairings will not only enhance your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies but also create cherished moments among family and friends during the holiday season!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft.

Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, store cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; this prevents them from becoming too soft.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy!

Reheating: To warm, place baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This revitalizes their soft, buttery texture-just perfect for your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations

Get creative with your holiday baking by adding your own personal touch to these vibrant cookies!

Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with margarine for a delicious, dairy-free version that still maintains the rich flavors you love.
Naturally Sweetened: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar to create a slightly different flavor while keeping the sweetness intact.
Vegan Twist: Opt for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) to make these cookies suitable for a vegan diet without sacrificing taste.
Flavorful Extracts: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint or almond extract to infuse a unique essence that complements the festive colors beautifully.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful crunch with every bite. The added texture creates a delightful contrast.
Alternative Colors: Want to mix it up? Use pastel colors like pink and yellow in spring or swap red and green for blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, cozy spice that evokes the essence of holiday cheer.
Decorative Touch: Instead of red sanding sugar, use decorative sprinkles to add an extra layer of fun and sparkle to your cookies, making them even more festive.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! Unsalted butter is the best choice as it provides richness and moisture, creating a tender cookie. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, margarine can be a good substitute.

How long can I store these cookies?
You can keep your delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, especially in warmer climates to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the unbaked log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, just slice and bake them directly from the freezer without thawing-it's that simple!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?
If your dough feels sticky, don't worry! Simply chill it for an additional 15-30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it much easier to roll and layer for those beautiful pinwheel designs. Remember, the chill time is essential for shaping the dough properly.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you're making these cookies for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily tweak the ingredients. For instance, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg for a vegan option. Also, replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can cater to gluten sensitivities.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
While you can use liquid food coloring, I recommend sticking with gel for the best results. Liquid coloring might alter the dough's consistency and affect the final outcome of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. For vibrant color, gel is the way to go!