When it comes to holiday baking, few treats are as eye-catching and joyful as Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These swirly, colorful cookies are perfect for adding a festive touch to your dessert table, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and customizable to your holiday color palette.
In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making these delightful cookies. From tips on achieving the perfect swirl to creative variations, you’ll find everything you need to whip up a batch of these Christmas beauties. Let’s dive into the magic of baking Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Visually Stunning: The red and white swirls combined with the festive nonpareil sprinkles make these cookies a showstopper.
- Fun to Make: Rolling and shaping the dough is like an arts-and-crafts project you can eat!
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies travel well, making them an ideal gift for neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who loves holiday cheer.
- Delicious and Buttery: Made with sugar cookie dough, these cookies are as tasty as they are beautiful.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love rolling the dough and adding sprinkles!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Active Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 120
Ingredients for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
To make these festive cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients.
- Sugar Cookie Dough: Use the Best Ever Sugar Cookie Dough or your favorite store-bought version. You’ll need enough for a double batch.
- Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without thinning the dough.
- Christmas Nonpareil Sprinkles: These tiny, colorful balls add the perfect holiday sparkle.
Notes on Ingredients:
- Sugar Cookie Dough: A buttery sugar cookie dough works best for these cookies, as it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape while baking.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended because it blends easily and doesn’t alter the dough’s consistency.
- Sprinkles: Nonpareil sprinkles are ideal, but you can use jimmies or any holiday-themed sprinkles you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Making Christmas Pinwheel Cookies is as fun as decorating the tree. Follow these steps to create your festive masterpiece.
1: Prepare the Dough
- Divide the Dough: Separate your sugar cookie dough into two equal halves.
- Color One Half: Add red gel food coloring to one half of the dough. You can do this by kneading it in by hand or mixing it in a stand mixer until the dough is evenly colored.
Tip: Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more as needed to achieve your desired shade of red.
2: Roll Out the Dough
- Roll the Red Dough: Place the red dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Set aside.
- Roll the Plain Dough: Repeat the process with the plain dough, rolling it out into a rectangle of the same size as the red dough.
3: Create the Swirl
- Layer the Dough: Gently peel the parchment paper off one side of the red dough. Place the plain dough on top of the red dough, aligning the edges as closely as possible.
- Press Together: Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to gently press the two layers of dough together.
4: Roll Into a Log
- Start Rolling: Beginning at one short end, carefully roll the layered dough into a log, removing the bottom parchment paper as you go.
- Wrap and Chill: Once the log is formed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Tip: If the dough feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before attempting again.
5: Add Sprinkles
- Prepare Sprinkles: Pour the Christmas sprinkles onto a rimmed baking sheet.
- Coat the Dough: Unwrap the chilled dough log and roll it in the sprinkles until fully coated.
- Rewrap and Chill Again: Wrap the sprinkle-coated log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
6: Slice and Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Slice the Cookies: Remove the dough log from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
- Bake: Place the cookies 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
Tip: Keep an eye on the cookies—they shouldn’t brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
There are so many ways to enjoy these delightful cookies:
- Cookie Platters: Add them to a holiday cookie tray alongside gingerbread cookies and chocolate crinkle cookies.
- Gift Boxes: Stack them in festive tins or clear bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Pair with Hot Beverages: Serve them with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday treat.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling steps! Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
- Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking times.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the cookies cleanly. Wipe the blade between cuts if needed.
- Sprinkle Success: For the best results, press the sprinkles gently into the dough log to ensure they stick.
- Keep Cool: Work quickly with the dough to prevent it from becoming too soft. If it does, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Variations on Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Get creative with these fun variations:
- Different Colors: Swap red for green or blue for a unique twist. You could even make multi-colored swirls!
- Flavored Dough: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract or almond extract to the dough for a festive flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie dough to make these cookies accessible for everyone.
- Chocolate Swirl: Use cocoa powder to color one half of the dough brown instead of red.
- Sparkle Overload: Roll the log in sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Dough: Wrap the prepared dough log in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in sprinkles, and proceed with slicing and baking.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made cookie dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought sugar cookie dough works great. Just make sure to let it soften slightly before adding food coloring.
What if my dough cracks when rolling?
If the dough cracks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before trying again.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking. You can also freeze the sliced cookies for 10 minutes before placing them in the oven.
Can I skip the sprinkles?
Yes, but the sprinkles add a festive touch. You can also roll the log in sanding sugar or leave it plain for a simpler look.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! This recipe scales easily, so feel free to make a larger batch for parties or gifting.
Conclusion
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. With their festive swirls and sprinkle-coated edges, they bring instant cheer to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, these cookies are a fun and rewarding project that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
I’d love to see your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Share your creations by tagging me on social media and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be merry and bright!
Print
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white swirls and a sprinkle-coated edge. Perfect for holiday celebrations, gifting, or adding to your cookie platter
Ingredients
- Sugar cookie dough (double batch)
- Red gel food coloring
- Christmas nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Divide dough into two halves.
- Add red food coloring to one half and roll both doughs into 1/4-inch rectangles.
- Layer the doughs, roll into a log, and chill.
- Roll in sprinkles, slice, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to maintain shape during baking.
- Customize colors or flavors for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American