Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a perfect holiday treat that brings a touch of color and creativity to your dessert table. With their striking red and green swirls, these cookies add a cheerful and colorful flair to any Christmas gathering. Not only do they look beautiful, but the buttery, sweet flavor is sure to delight your guests. These cookies are also easy to make and are a fun baking project to do with family or friends during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Visually Stunning

The vibrant red and green pinwheel design makes these cookies a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. They’re sure to impress family and friends with their festive appearance.

2. Buttery and Delicious

These cookies have a rich buttery flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla. The simplicity of the recipe lets the taste shine through in every bite.

3. Easy to Make

Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to create these treats without any hassle.

4. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with other colors or flavors! You can use different food colorings for any occasion or add a dash of cinnamon for a spiced twist.

5. Fun for the Whole Family

Making these pinwheel cookies is a fun activity that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The rolling process is especially fun for little hands!

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Red and green food coloring

Variations

Flavored Pinwheels
You can add some flavor extracts, like almond or peppermint, to one of the dough portions to give the cookies a unique taste.
Sprinkles
After baking, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top for added sparkle and holiday cheer.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these festive cookies.
Chocolate Pinwheels
For a chocolate twist, you can add cocoa powder to one of the dough halves, creating a chocolate-red or chocolate-green pinwheel.
Decorative Drizzle
Once cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for extra sweetness and elegance.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough is well combined and no dry flour remains.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half. Mix the doughs until the colors are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll each colored dough into a rectangle shape. Try to get the dough as evenly sized as possible for a uniform swirl.

Step 6: Combine the Doughs

Place the red dough on top of the green dough and gently press them together. Roll the doughs into a log, making sure they stay tightly wound for a neat pinwheel shape.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice into perfect cookies.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.

Step 9: Slice and Bake

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 11: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough Well
The key to getting clean slices is chilling the dough thoroughly. Don’t skip this step, as it will make rolling and cutting much easier.
Use Parchment Paper
To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
When combining the food coloring, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
Make Even Slices
For the best pinwheel effect, try to slice the dough into even portions. A sharp knife helps ensure clean edges.
Let the Cookies Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before stacking or serving to prevent them from becoming soft and losing their shape.

How to Serve

These festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a special treat for family and friends. Serve them on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies or package them in a cute tin for a delightful homemade gift. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Be sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough log for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing and baking.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy these cookies warm, simply pop them in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use different colors for the dough?

Yes, you can use any food coloring you’d like to customize the pinwheels to fit any holiday or occasion.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter. Margarine may affect the final outcome.

3. How thick should I slice the dough?

Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure they bake evenly and maintain their pinwheel shape.

4. What if I don’t have food coloring?

If you prefer, you can leave the dough plain and just create a swirl pattern with the natural dough. The flavor will still be delicious!

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free.

6. How long can I store the cookies?

The cookies will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

7. Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

8. How do I get perfect pinwheels?

Ensure that the dough is chilled properly and roll it tightly to create a well-defined swirl.

9. What if the dough is too soft to roll?

If the dough becomes too soft, chill it longer before attempting to roll it out again.

10. Can I add sprinkles or chocolate chips?

Yes, adding festive sprinkles or mini chocolate chips before baking can make the cookies even more fun and flavorful.

Conclusion

Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful, colorful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. With their simple ingredients and festive design, these cookies are perfect for spreading cheer at Christmas parties or as a homemade gift. Whether you make them for yourself, your family, or to share with others, these pinwheel cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite!