There is something magical about Christmas baking that instantly brings warmth to the heart. This Christmas pinwheel cookies recipe is one of those timeless treats that feels festive the moment you see the swirled red and green spirals. The buttery aroma drifting from the oven, the soft crunch at first bite, and the gentle sweetness make these cookies impossible to resist.
Pinwheel cookies are not just beautiful, they are nostalgic. They remind us of holiday tins, shared plates, and cozy evenings spent decorating the kitchen with flour-dusted counters and laughter. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet elegant enough to impress guests, making it a holiday favorite everyone truly loves.
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Substitution Suggestions
- Butter alternative: Use plant based butter for dairy free cookies.
- Sugar swap: Use superfine sugar for smoother dough texture.
- Food coloring: Natural food dyes can be used instead of artificial coloring.
Dietary Swaps
- Gluten free: Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend.
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugar slightly without affecting structure.
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chilling the dough helps maintain sharp pinwheel shapes and prevents spreading during baking.
How to Make It
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Step 2. Color the Dough
Divide dough into two equal portions. Tint one portion red and the other green. Knead gently until color is evenly distributed.
Step 3. Roll and Layer
Roll each colored dough into a rectangle between parchment paper. Place one rectangle on top of the other and press gently.
Step 4. Form the Pinwheel
Starting from the long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour.
Step 5. Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
Step 6. Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Serve once completely cooled.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
These cookies are a delightful holiday indulgence, perfect for festive enjoyment in moderation.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use half whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce sugar slightly for a lighter sweetness.
- Use natural food coloring for a cleaner ingredient list.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa, milk, or spiced tea.
- Add to Christmas cookie platters and gift boxes.
- Pair with gingerbread and sugar cookies for variety.
- Perfect for holiday parties and school events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping chilling time, which causes cookies to lose shape.
- Rolling dough unevenly, resulting in lopsided pinwheels.
- Overbaking, which makes cookies dry instead of tender.
- Using too much food coloring, which can affect dough texture.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration
Store dough logs in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking.
Reheating
Cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Make-Ahead
Prepare and freeze dough logs ahead of time for stress-free holiday baking.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to two months.
Conclusion
This Christmas pinwheel cookies recipe brings color, joy, and tradition to your holiday table. With their festive look, buttery texture, and gentle sweetness, these cookies are guaranteed crowd-enders year after year.
Bake them with family, share them with friends, and enjoy the simple magic that only holiday cookies can bring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be refrigerated for three days or frozen for one month.
2. Do pinwheel cookies spread while baking?
Very little, especially when dough is properly chilled.
3. Can I use different colors?
Yes, customize colors for different holidays or themes.
4. Why are my pinwheels uneven?
Uneven rolling or warm dough can distort the spiral.
5. Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely, coloring and rolling dough is fun and beginner-friendly.
6. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are tender with lightly crisp edges.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well for holiday baking batches.