As the holidays approach and the scent of spices fills the air, I often find myself longing for the flavors that define the season. That’s when I turn to my favorite festive treat: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These delightful cookies not only capture the spirit of Christmas with their vibrant colors but also deliver a sweet surprise in every bite.
Picture this: a warm, buttery dough layered with rich red and green hues, making them a stunning centerpiece on any holiday platter. Just imagining them spread across the table alongside hot cocoa and laughter brings back sweet memories of family gatherings. Plus, what I adore about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create an impressive dessert that will surely wow your friends and family.
Whether you’re reminiscing about the magic of Christmas past or starting new traditions, these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are bound to make your holiday brighter. Let’s get baking!
Why are Christmas Pinwheel Cookies so irresistible?
Festive Appeal: The bright red and green hues make these cookies an eye-catching delight at any holiday gathering.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and only requires a few steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Flavorful Layers: Each bite reveals a buttery cookie with a rich, sweet flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and spread joy during the holidays; they’re perfect for gifting or bringing to parties.
Impressive Presentation: With their stunning swirls, your cookie platter will look professional and elegant compared to typical cookies.
Whip up these festive treats and share them with loved ones for unforgettable holiday memories!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients
• The vibrant colors of these cookies will elevate your holiday baking experience!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – 2/3 cup, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Sugar – 2/3 cup to create the perfect balance of sweetness in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
- Egg – 1 large, this will help bind the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon for a warm, inviting flavor that complements the sweetness.
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 1 3/4 cups, sifted for a lighter texture in every cookie.
- Kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Baking soda – 1/4 teaspoon, providing a slight lift for a perfect cookie structure.
For the Color and Garnish
- Red gel food coloring – Use as needed to achieve vibrant red dough without additional moisture.
- Green gel food coloring – Similarly, ensure your cookies have that rich green hue.
- Red sanding sugar – A sprinkle to garnish adds both crunch and festive flair to your cookies.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
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Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment at medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s creamy and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing well and scraping down the sides when necessary.
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Combine the dry ingredients by whisking the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Slowly incorporate this flour mix into your butter mixture on low speed until combined. Divide the dough into thirds for coloring!
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Color one portion of dough by returning it to the mixer, adding red gel food coloring, and mixing until the color is even. Remove this dough, clean the bowl, and repeat with another third using green food coloring. The last third will be left as is. Shape into balls, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Roll each chilled ball between sheets of parchment paper into a 7-inch square. Once flattened, refrigerate again for 15 minutes to maintain shape while working with the dough.
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Stack the dough layers carefully, starting with red, followed by green, and ending with plain dough. Top with another parchment sheet and roll it into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Remove the top sheet, then roll tightly from the long side into a log. Wrap the log in parchment and freeze for one hour.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Slice the frozen dough log into 1/3-inch thick rounds using a serrated knife. Gently roll the edges in red sanding sugar for sparkle, then space them 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned. Let them cool for 1 minute on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, pack them in an airtight container for your holiday festivities!
Optional: Dust with additional sanding sugar before serving for an extra touch of sparkle!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations
Feel free to personalize these delightful cookies for your family’s taste buds and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for an equally scrumptious version. Your gluten-free friends will love this festive adaptation!
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Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It’s a delicious way to keep everyone included at your holiday table.
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Add Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist. This subtle addition enhances the festive aroma and flavor.
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Colorful Swirls: Instead of just red and green, incorporate other colors using fruit juices or natural food dyes. Think blueberry or beet juice for stunning creations that make your cookie platter pop!
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Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This decadent touch takes your festive joy through the roof.
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Nuts & More: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pistachios, to the dough for a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
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Minty Fresh: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing holiday twist. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Coconut Garnish: Experiment with rolling the edges in shredded coconut instead of sanding sugar for a tropical feel that still celebrates the holidays. Your guests will be enchanted!
Tips for the Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
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Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming. Cold ingredients may lead to dense cookies instead of the light and tender texture we crave.
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Chill the Dough: After coloring and rolling, refrigerate the dough well. This step helps maintain the shape of the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies during baking and keeps them from spreading too much.
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Slicing Technique: Use a serrated knife to cut the chilled dough. This helps achieve cleaner cuts, preserving those beautiful pinwheel swirls instead of squishing the shapes.
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Avoid Overbaking: Watch the cookies closely; they should be set but not browned. Overbaking can alter the delightful softness we love about Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
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Color Intensity: Adjust the amount of food coloring according to your preference. A little goes a long way, and you can start with less and build up to your desired vibrancy!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply make the dough, shape it into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. To maintain their quality, make sure to wrap the logs well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, slice, and roll in red sanding sugar before baking. This way, you’ll have delicious, festive cookies ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort—ideal for gatherings or last-minute holiday gifts!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious for holiday gatherings.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, place the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies at their best, gently reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through.
What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
As you gather around the table with loved ones, these colorful treats deserve delightful companions for a festive spread.
- Hot Cocoa: This rich, creamy beverage pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cookies’ buttery flavor while warming hearts and hands.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth of cinnamon and apple brings a comforting touch that complements the cookies’ sweetness.
- Shortbread Cookies: Their crumbly texture and rich flavor create a delightful contrast to the soft, vibrant pinwheels.
- Gingerbread Men: These classic cookies add a spicy zing to your holiday cookie assortment, beautifully balancing the sugary pinwheels.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes offer a rich, tangy experience, making a luscious pairing with festive sweets.
- Fruit Platter: Bright, fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast, their natural sweetness enhancing the cookie flavors without overwhelming.
- Holiday Punch: A festive or citrus-infused punch not only adds cheer but also cleanses the palate between cookie bites.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Their fudgy texture and peppermint flavor make a decadent addition to the dessert table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful coolness alongside warm cookies, creating a classic combo that everyone loves.
Indulge in these pairings to elevate your holiday celebrations and make every bite of the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies truly magical!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! Using room temperature unsalted butter is crucial for creating a creamy texture. Look for butter that’s soft to the touch but not melted; this ensures that it incorporates smoothly with sugar. When selecting your egg, aim for large and fresh ones for better binding and flavor. For flour, I recommend a high-quality all-purpose variety to achieve the best texture.
What’s the best way to store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, storing them in the fridge can extend their life to about a week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before savoring their delightful flavors again!
Can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Yes, indeed! For freezing, wrap the baked cookies in layers of parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. This method protects them from freezer burn and allows for up to 3 months of delicious storage. To thaw, simply leave the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to enjoying, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
Very often, the key to preventing spreading lies in chilling the dough sufficiently. If you skip the refrigeration or don’t chill the logs long enough, your cookies might lose their shape. Additionally, ensure you’re using cold butter as this can also contribute to excessive spreading. Always keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can cause unwanted texture changes.
Are there any dietary considerations I should think about when making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Great question! These cookies are generally safe for most, but they contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, making them unsuitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. You can consider substitutions, like using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, dairy-free butter, and a flax egg for a vegan option. Just remember that this may alter the taste and texture slightly, so I’d recommend trying a small batch first!
How can I add a festive touch to my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Of course! Apart from rolling the edges in red sanding sugar, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate once they are completely cooled. This adds both a beautiful contrast and a delightful taste. You could also sprinkle some festive sprinkles or edible glitter on top for that extra holiday sparkle!
Delicious Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment for about 3 to 4 minutes until creamy and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine the dry ingredients by whisking the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Slowly incorporate this flour mix into the butter mixture until combined.
- Color one portion of dough by returning it to the mixer, adding red gel food coloring, and mixing until even. Repeat with green food coloring for another third.
- Shape each colored dough into balls, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Roll each chilled ball between sheets of parchment paper into a 7-inch square and refrigerate again for 15 minutes.
- Stack the dough layers: red, green, and plain. Roll into a 12x8-inch rectangle, remove the top sheet, and roll tightly from the long side into a log. Wrap in parchment and freeze for one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Slice the frozen dough log into 1/3-inch thick rounds. Roll the edges in red sanding sugar and space them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack.