Christmas is the season of joy, family, and, of course, delicious baked goods. Few treats capture the magic of the holidays like Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These vibrant, colorful cookies are not only visually stunning but also buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or looking for a show-stopping dessert to bring to a holiday party, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect choice. Their signature swirls of red, green, and white, along with festive nonpareils, make them a standout on any cookie platter.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these gorgeous cookies from scratch!
Why Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Are the Ultimate Holiday Treat
There’s something inherently joyful about baking during the holiday season. The warmth of the oven, the scent of vanilla wafting through the kitchen, and the vibrant colors of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies all evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a fun way to get creative with your baking. Plus, they’re a great activity for the entire family. Imagine kids rolling out the dough or sprinkling the nonpareils, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
To make these festive cookies, you’ll need some basic pantry staples along with a few holiday-themed extras. Here’s a table for easy reference:
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Eggs, large | 2 |
| Dairy | Salted butter | 3/4 cup (softened) |
| Baking & Spices | All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp | |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Powdered sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | |
| Gel food coloring (red, green) | 1 set | |
| Desserts | Holiday-colored nonpareils | 1 set |
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin, measure all your ingredients and allow the butter to soften to room temperature. This ensures smooth dough and even mixing.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Divide and Color the Dough
- Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Leave one portion plain (white).
- Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and green gel food coloring to the third portion. Mix each portion until the colors are vibrant and even.
5. Roll Out the Dough
- Roll each portion of dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick, on parchment paper.
- Place the green dough on top of the red dough, followed by the plain dough, carefully layering them.
6. Create the Pinwheel
- Using the parchment paper to help, tightly roll the layered dough into a log, starting from one long edge.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
7. Coat with Nonpareils
- Pour the holiday-colored nonpareils onto a flat surface.
- Roll the chilled dough log in the nonpareils, pressing gently to adhere them to the surface.
8. Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives a more vibrant hue without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough log is crucial for clean, uniform slices. If the dough gets too soft, it may lose its shape.
- Handle Dough Gently: Be careful when rolling and layering the dough to prevent cracks or unevenness.
- Nonpareil Alternatives: If you don’t have nonpareils, substitute with festive sprinkles or colored sanding sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies aren’t just for the holidays—they’re great for cookie swaps, gift baskets, or even a winter-themed party. Their eye-catching appearance and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a hit for all ages. Plus, they store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy stress-free entertaining.
Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Swirl Pinwheels
Replace one layer of dough with chocolate-flavored dough made by adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the plain dough.
2. Peppermint Pinwheels
Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top instead of nonpareils.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough log up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: The dough log can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
- Storing Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring is recommended for its vibrant hues and minimal impact on dough consistency.
2. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
3. What if my dough cracks while rolling?
If the dough cracks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, then try rolling again.
4. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, but add an extra pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
5. How do I ensure clean, even slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to prevent smudging or uneven cuts.
6. Can I make these cookies without nonpareils?
Of course! The nonpareils are decorative but optional. You can bake the pinwheel cookies without them or roll the dough in sanding sugar instead.
Why You Should Bake These Cookies Today
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season. Their stunning colors, delicious buttery flavor, and fun design bring holiday cheer to any table. Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a versatile addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing them with family, or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some holiday magic with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Happy baking!
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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
- Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Brighten up your holiday season with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! These festive treats feature buttery swirls of red, green, and white dough coated in cheerful nonpareils. Soft, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Fun to make and even more delightful to eat, these cookies will become a holiday favorite in no time!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Holiday-colored nonpareils
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
3. Divide and Color the Dough
- Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Leave one portion plain (white). Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and green gel food coloring to the third portion, mixing until the colors are evenly distributed and vibrant.
4. Roll Out the Dough
- Roll each portion of dough into a rectangular shape (approximately 1/4 inch thick) on parchment paper.
- Layer the green dough on top of the red dough, followed by the plain dough, pressing gently to ensure the layers stick together.
5. Form the Pinwheel
- Using the parchment paper to guide you, tightly roll the layered dough into a log, starting from one long edge.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
6. Coat with Nonpareils
- Spread the holiday-colored nonpareils on a flat surface.
- Roll the chilled dough log in the nonpareils, pressing gently so they adhere to the dough.
7. Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It ensures clean slices and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is best for achieving vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American