Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Introduction
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s as festive as it is delicious — crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and adorned with swirls of red and white that scream holiday cheer. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining buttery dough with a playful design that delights both kids and adults. These cookies aren’t just pretty; they offer a perfect balance of texture and sweetness, making them irresistible at any holiday gathering. You’ll learn how to make these charming cookies from scratch, along with tips, tricks, and variations to make them uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The visual appeal of the red-and-white spirals makes them ideal for holiday platters, gift boxes, or festive cookie exchanges. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast: a lightly crisp exterior gives way to a tender, buttery interior that melts in your mouth. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Plus, rolling and slicing the dough is a fun activity to do with family or friends, adding to the holiday spirit. With their vibrant colors, sweet vanilla flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Pro Tips

1. Keep Dough Cold: Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling ensures clean pinwheel swirls and prevents spreading during baking.

2. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based colors give a bright, vivid swirl without altering dough consistency. Mix thoroughly for even coloring.

3. Roll Evenly: Roll both halves of the dough to the same thickness to ensure the pinwheel shape is uniform. Uneven dough can cause uneven baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough
Split the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and tint the other with red food coloring. Knead the red portion gently to evenly distribute the color.

Step 3: Roll the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a rectangle of equal size, about ¼ inch thick. Place the red dough atop the plain dough, aligning edges carefully.

Step 4: Form the Pinwheel
Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the stacked dough into a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into ¼–½ inch thick cookies and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: dust with powdered sugar for extra holiday flair.

Variations

• Chocolate Pinwheels: Substitute the plain dough with chocolate dough for a red-and-brown swirl.

• Peppermint Twist: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and follow the same method.

Storage and Serving

Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Serve them on festive platters, paired with hot cocoa or coffee, or gift them in decorative holiday tins. They also make a cheerful addition to cookie exchanges and holiday parties.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be prepared and chilled overnight, which often enhances flavor and makes rolling easier.

2. Why aren’t my pinwheels holding their shape?
Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled before slicing. Warm dough spreads and loses the swirl pattern.

3. Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant swirls without changing dough consistency. Liquid colors may make the dough too soft.

4. How thick should I slice the cookies?
Slices should be ¼–½ inch thick for best results; thicker slices may bake unevenly.

5. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, fully baked cookies freeze well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe is holiday magic in cookie form — vibrant, buttery, and irresistibly fun to make. It’s the kind of treat that brightens cookie platters, delights children and adults alike, and adds a festive touch to any gathering. Whether baked for family, friends, or yourself, these pinwheels deliver joy in every bite and are destined to become a cherished holiday tradition.