When the holidays roll around, I always find myself craving something that’s as fun to make as it is to eat — and that’s where Christmas Pinwheel Cookies come in. These cheerful red and white swirls of buttery sugar cookie dough are pure Christmas joy baked into a bite. They’re soft, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth good, with a swirl pattern that looks straight out of Santa’s workshop.
The first time I made them, I was nervous. Rolling and slicing dough felt tricky — but the moment those bright spirals came out of the oven, I was hooked. The kids loved helping too, mostly because they got to pick the colors and sprinkle sugar on top. Now, these cookies are a yearly tradition, baked between batches of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies and Frosted Christmas Brownies.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla, then add dry ingredients gradually until a dough forms.
- Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and tint the other with red gel coloring until evenly mixed.
- Roll each dough half into a ¼-inch thick rectangle between parchment. Stack the red dough on top of the plain one and trim edges. Roll tightly into a log using parchment.
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Slice the log into ¼-inch cookies. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Add sprinkles if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until just set.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind These Swirled Beauties
Baking for the Joy of It
Christmas baking is more than recipes — it’s the rhythm of music in the kitchen, flour dust in the air, and laughter over sticky dough. These cookies remind me of that energy. Every swirl feels like a ribbon of holiday cheer, simple enough for kids to roll and fancy enough for cookie swaps.
If you love festive bakes that double as gifts, try my Christmas Bread Recipe. It’s another crowd-pleaser that fills the house with warmth and the scent of vanilla.
Why Everyone Loves Pinwheel Cookies
They look stunning, they taste amazing, and they’re easy once you get the hang of it. The red and white swirl is festive, and the buttery sugar cookie base makes them irresistible. You can even switch the colors to match any occasion — red and pink for Valentine’s, green and blue for birthdays — but Christmas red and white will always be my favorite.
Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Divide and Color
Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and tint the other with red gel coloring. Mix until evenly colored — go for candy-cane red.
Step 3: Roll and Stack
Roll each half of dough into a rectangle between parchment sheets, about ¼-inch thick. Carefully place the red dough on top of the plain one and trim the edges to make them even. Use the parchment to roll the stacked dough into a tight log.
Step 4: Chill
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best). Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when sliced.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the log into ¼-inch rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Add sprinkles to the edges if you’d like a little sparkle. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until just set.
If you enjoy colorful baking projects, you’ll love my Cherry Blossom Cookies. They share the same festive look but with a soft cherry twist.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheel Cookies
Chill Time is Everything
The colder your dough, the cleaner your swirls will be. If it softens too much while slicing, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Roll Evenly
Try to keep both dough layers the same thickness — it helps the spirals stay neat and uniform when baked.
Switch Up the Colors
Use green instead of red for a peppermint look, or go red and green for a double holiday swirl.
If you like easy kitchen tricks like these, check out my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — they’re filled with tips for getting the most flavor from simple ingredients.
How to Store and Gift
Storing the Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sliced dough before baking for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen for an extra minute or two.
Gifting Ideas
Stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with red and green ribbon. Or fill a festive tin with these, along with a few Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters — they make a perfect sweet-and-salty gift combo.
Fun Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Pinwheels: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the red dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Chocolate Swirls: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour in one half of the dough with cocoa powder for a red-and-brown combo.
- Sparkling Sugar Edges: Roll the log in coarse sugar before slicing for a bakery-style look.
- Vanilla Almond Pinwheels: Add a touch of almond extract for a nutty holiday twist.
If you love adding festive spins to your cookies, my Almond Joy Cookies are another can’t-miss bake that’s full of flavor and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill the dough log for up to 3 days before slicing and baking.
2. How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling?
Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before rolling so it’s soft but not sticky.
3. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Absolutely — layer them with parchment and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. What food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring gives brighter color without changing the dough texture.
Conclusion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the definition of holiday cheer — colorful, buttery, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. They’re simple enough for family baking days yet stunning enough for cookie exchanges and gifts. Every swirl tells a story of holiday fun, laughter, and the joy of baking something from scratch.
Pair them with a mug of cocoa or a loaf of Christmas Bread for the coziest holiday afternoon. They’re not just cookies — they’re a little slice of Christmas happiness rolled into every bite.
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