The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, capturing the spirit of the season. These vibrant Christmas Pinwheel Cookies not only look stunning with their eye-catching swirls but also taste like a buttery slice of holiday cheer. With minimal effort and a fun twist, you can whip up these festive treats that make the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. What’s even better? They can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to savor those spontaneous moments to share joy with family and friends. Ready to roll up your sleeves and create a colorful masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let's dive into this delightful holiday baking adventure together!
Why Are These Cookies So Festive?
Vibrant Colors: The stunning red and green swirls make these cookies a visual delight that capture the essence of the holiday season.
Buttery Goodness: Each bite offers a tender, buttery texture that melts in your mouth—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, everyone from novice bakers to seasoned chefs can enjoy making these treats.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever festive gatherings arise.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a cookie exchange or a family gathering, these eye-catching cookies are sure to spark smiles and bring joy.
Delicious Variations: Want to mix it up? Try adding a hint of peppermint or experimenting with different colors; creativity is limitless!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to create festive magic!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a tender texture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in browning; light brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; for a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; try almond extract for a delightful twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; gluten-free flour can be swapped for a gluten-free version.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; regular salt can be used, but adjust quantity to taste.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise; baking powder may be used as a substitute.
For the Colors
- Red Gel Food Coloring – Adds festive color to part of the dough; liquid food coloring works too, but adjust for moisture.
- Green Gel Food Coloring – Brings the other half of the dough to life with vibrant holiday cheer.
For the Finish
- Red Sanding Sugar – Provides a sparkling festive touch; can be replaced with colored sprinkles or omitted entirely.
Get ready to indulge in the delightful experience of creating these beautiful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated. This is the creamy base for your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, so make sure it's well blended for a tender result.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. This step is key to ensure that all flavors are well-distributed throughout your festive cookie batter.
Step 3: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal parts. In two of the portions, add red and green gel food coloring, kneading each piece until the colors are fully incorporated and vibrant. The striking colors will create the classic swirl effect of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, so take your time to ensure the coloring is even and cheerful.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap each portion of colored dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle, but it also helps to enhance the flavors. This is a great time to prepare your workspace or catch a quick holiday break before the fun rolling begins.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once chilled, place each colored dough portion on a sheet of parchment paper, rolling them out into squares approximately 7 inches wide. Carefully stack the red and green squares over the plain dough, then gently roll them into a tight log. This will ensure the beautiful swirls are properly formed in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
Step 6: Freeze
Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper and freeze it for about 1 hour. Freezing solidifies the shape, making it much easier to cut evenly into slice-like rounds later. This step is crucial for achieving neat and visually appealing cookies that will wow your guests with their festive charm.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the log from the freezer and slice it into 1/3-inch thick rounds with a serrated knife. Roll the edges of each round in red sanding sugar for a festive touch before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies look set.
Step 8: Cool and Store
After removing the baking sheet from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 1 minute. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, allowing their festive flavor to shine during the holiday season.
Expert Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Soften Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy blending. This step affects the cookie’s texture significantly.
- Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the chilling process! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and slice without sticking.
- Color Mixing: Ensure food coloring is thoroughly kneaded into the dough. Uneven colors can impact the visual appeal of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling the dough, strive for uniform thickness, so all cookies bake consistently and look beautiful when served.
- Use a Serrated Knife: For clean cuts, opt for a serrated knife when slicing the log. This helps maintain the integrity of the swirls without squishing the cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delightful.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies, but be sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This method keeps them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked log of cookie dough wrapped in parchment and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice as directed.
Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies slightly in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste, perfect for indulging in those Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations
Ready to add your own twist to these delightful cookies? Let your imagination run wild as you create delicious masterpieces!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine for a buttery flavor that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Option: Swap the egg for a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
- Choco-Mint Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough, creating a refreshing minty flavor.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of sanding sugar, roll the edges in colorful sprinkles for a fun finish, perfect for kids' parties.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in mini chocolate chips for added texture and richness that elevates these cookies to another level of deliciousness.
- Pastel Palette: Use pastel gel food coloring to create softer shades for springtime celebrations or baby showers.
- Spiced Little Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday.
- Flavored Extract Variations: Experiment with almond or orange extract instead of vanilla for a unique taste that will keep everyone guessing!
Feeling inspired? These variations not only keep things interesting but can also lead to new family favorites, just like Eggnog Cookies Soft or Thumbprint Cookies Melt. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Elevate your holiday gatherings effortlessly by adding delightful companions to your colorful cookie masterpiece.
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Hot Cocoa: Rich and chocolatey, a warm cup of cocoa enhances the festive experience while complementing the sweet, buttery cookies perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, vanilla ice cream balances the cookie's sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that many will love. Serve a scoop alongside for a delightful dessert duo.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, with its creamy texture and spiced flavor, pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of the pinwheel cookies, enhancing the festive spirit.
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Peppermint Bark: The crunch of peppermint bark adds a refreshing twist to your cookie platter, introducing a delightful minty flavor that harmonizes with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Sugar Cookies: Offer a variety by including classic sugar cookies. Their soft texture and sweet flavor provide a delightful contrast while still holding festive appeal.
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Holiday Fruit Salad: Bright and fresh, a fruit salad offers a fruity balance to the rich cookies. Use seasonal fruits like pomegranate and citrus to maintain the holiday theme.
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Gingerbread Men: The spicy warmth of gingerbread cookies not only adds a different flavor profile but represents the holidays beautifully, enhancing your cookie table's cheer.
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Mulled Cider: Warm and fragrant, mulled cider adds a cozy backdrop to your cookie moment, filling the air with holiday aromas that complement these delicious treats.
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Milk: Never underestimate the classic pairing of milk! This simple drink enhances the buttery, rich flavors of the cookies, evoking childhood nostalgia and joy.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep during the busy holiday season! To make ahead, you can prepare the colored dough portions and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled log of dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the log while it's still frozen, roll the edges in red sanding sugar, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the same festive flavors and beautiful presentation with minimal effort, making holiday baking a breeze!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the best flavor?
Using unsalted butter is ideal as it provides richness and tender texture. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, I recommend substituting with margarine, which works just as well.
How should I store Christmas Pinwheel Cookies after baking?
Store your baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh a bit longer, refrigerate the cookies layered with parchment paper for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked log of cookie dough tightly wrapped in parchment and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, slice, and bake as directed.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough to be too sticky during preparation, don't worry! Refrigerate it for another 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it much easier to roll out and shape for those gorgeous swirls.
Are there any allergen concerns with this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy, and gluten from the flour. If you're baking for someone with allergies, you can make a vegan version by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and replacing the butter with margarine. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they're safe for your dietary needs.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
If you want to experiment with colors, feel free to use additional shades of gel food coloring! You can even create pastel colors for a spring theme or opt for darker colors around Halloween. Just be sure to fully incorporate the coloring for even swirls.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies That Bring Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually incorporate into the creamed butter mixture until soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into three parts. Add red and green food coloring to two portions, kneading until the colors are vibrant.
- Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Roll out each colored dough on parchment paper into squares approximately 7 inches wide. Stack the colors and roll into a tight log.
- Wrap the log in parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the log into 1/3-inch rounds, roll edges in red sanding sugar, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
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