Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Each cookie is a visual feast, showcasing festive colors and offering a delicious mix of flavors. My journey with this recipe started years ago when I first attempted them for a Christmas cookie exchange. The smiles on friends’ faces when they bit into those colorful layers were worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Perfect for family festivities or as homemade gifts, these cookies capture the essence of the holiday season in each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a fantastic addition to your holiday repertoire for several reasons. They’re fun to make, especially with kids, offering a perfect blend of creativity and baking skills. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also pack a flavorful punch with every slice. Plus, you can make the dough ahead of time, which makes your holiday baking even more manageable when life gets busy.
“They look stunning on the cookie platter and taste even better. My family couldn’t get enough!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is a straightforward process that rewards patience and creativity. First, you’ll mix together the foundational ingredients to create a smooth dough. Then, you’ll divide this dough into colorful sections that will ultimately come together in a beautiful roll. The end result? Vibrant cookies that are as delightful to eat as they are to look at!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to create your perfect batch of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies:
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (353g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red & green gel food coloring
- Holiday-colored nonpareils
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon of additional flavoring extracts or lemon zest
Feel free to swap in unsalted butter if you prefer, and experiment with different flavor extracts to suit your family’s tastes!
Directions to Follow
- In a mixer, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract (and optional flavorings, if using) to the bowl. Scrape the sides and bottom to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Add red gel food coloring to one and green to another, leaving the third portion plain. Mix each until colored evenly.
- Flatten the colored dough into discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or the fridge for an hour.
- Roll out each disc on parchment paper into rectangles of similar size.
- Layer the dough, placing the white in the middle between the red and green layers. Trim excess edges for evenness.
- Roll the stacked dough tightly into a log using parchment paper to avoid cracks, then wrap in plastic and chill for another 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat the log in nonpareils and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Space them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes until set, then cool completely on a wire rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These colorful cookies are perfect on their own, but why not elevate the delight? Serve them with a warm glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a festive mug of eggnog. They also make for excellent gifts when packaged in clear bags tied with ribbon, adding a homemade touch to holiday giving.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the logs of dough before slicing; just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice them straight from the freezer and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chill Time is Key: Proper chilling allows the dough to firm up and makes rolling easier. Don’t skip this step!
- Prepping Ahead: These cookies keep their shape well, so you can prepare them in advance and bake them fresh before serving.
- Rolling Technique: Use the parchment paper to roll tightly and avoid cracks. A tight log helps the cookies hold their beautiful pinwheel shape.
Creative Twists
Looking to switch it up? Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor infusion. You can also experiment with different color themes – think pastel shades for spring or even seasonal frostings post-baking for a unique touch.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make these cookies?
The total time is about 3-4 hours, including chilling. However, most of this time is hands-off!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
Is it safe to freeze cookie dough?
Absolutely! Unbaked cookie dough can be safely frozen for up to two months, making it a great prep-ahead option for holiday baking.
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring a touch of festive flair and deliciousness to any holiday gathering. Dive in, and let every slice of joy add to your celebration!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixer, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract (and optional flavorings, if using) to the bowl. Scrape the sides and bottom to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Add red gel food coloring to one and green to another, leaving the third portion plain. Mix each until colored evenly.
- Flatten the colored dough into discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or the fridge for an hour.
- Roll out each disc on parchment paper into rectangles of similar size.
- Layer the dough, with the white in the middle between the red and green layers. Trim excess edges for evenness.
- Roll the stacked dough tightly into a log using parchment paper to avoid cracks, then wrap in plastic and chill for another 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Coat the log in nonpareils and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Space them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes until set, then cool completely on a wire rack.