Name: Easy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for Festive Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Substitute with margarine or vegan butter for a non-dairy option.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor profile.); 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Vanilla extract is a great substitute if preferred.); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder for structure; consider using a flax egg for a vegan alternative.); 1 large Egg Yolk (Acts as a binder for structure.); 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Whole wheat flour can add a healthier twist.); Red & Green drops Food Coloring (Gel colors give a bolder effect.); 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles (Optional if you prefer a powdered sugar dusting for a more elegant look.)

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As I unwrapped the vivid colors of my favorite holiday memories, I couldn’t help but dream of festive treats that spark joy in both kiddos and adults alike. Enter the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies—a charming and easy-to-make holiday treat that transforms a simple baking session into a delightful creative adventure! These cookies not only look stunning with their vibrant swirls but also serve as a great bonding activity for families, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings. With minimal prep time and kid-friendly steps, you’ll be pulled into warm conversations and laughter while indulging in these festive delights. Curious about how to make this colorful cookie magic happen in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?

Festive Fun: These colorful cookies bring holiday cheer to any gathering, making them a perfect conversation starter.
Kid-Friendly: With simple steps, kids will have a blast helping in the kitchen, creating sweet memories together.
Visual Appeal: Their vibrant swirls create a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table, like an edible work of art!
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time means you can whip these up in a flash, ideal for last-minute parties or cookie exchanges.
Versatile Flavor: Add a twist with different extracts or colorful themes to suit your personal holiday style. Seriously, if you love these, you might also want to try Lemon Raspberry Cookies or Almond Snowball Cookies for your sweet spread!

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake magic!

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or vegan butter for a non-dairy option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor profile.
Almond Extract – Adds a delightful nutty aroma; vanilla extract is a great substitute if preferred.
Egg & Egg Yolk – Acts as a binder for structure; consider using a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
All-Purpose Flour – The main foundation of the dough; whole wheat flour can add a healthier twist.

For the Festive Touch

Red & Green Food Coloring – For those vibrant swirls; gel colors give a bolder effect.
Christmas Sprinkles – Perfect for decoration; optional if you prefer a powdered sugar dusting for a more elegant look.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating your stunning Christmas Pinwheel Cookies—let’s make this holiday season sweet and colorful!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Dough
In a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract, mixing until thoroughly combined. This base will create the soft, chewy texture of your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.

Step 2: Add Flour
Gradually add in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing until a thick dough forms. The dough should begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be soft and pliable. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cookies to remain tender and delicious.

Step 3: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal sections. Tint two portions with red and green food coloring, adding in small amounts until you achieve your desired vibrancy. Leave the third portion uncolored to create a lovely contrast in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Mix well until the colors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Roll the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out each colored dough section into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Ensure the edges are even for a clean roll later on. Once rolled, stack the three layers carefully, starting with the uncolored dough on the bottom, followed by the red and green layers.

Step 5: Form the Log
Starting from one end, tightly roll the stacked dough into a log shape. Make sure to keep the roll snug without squeezing too hard, which can cause the layers to separate. Once formed, coat the outside of the log with festive Christmas sprinkles for a joyful finish, and wrap it in plastic wrap before refrigerating for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is chilled, slice the log into ¼-inch thick cookies and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool
After baking, remove the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ soft, chewy texture while they settle into their delightful festive shape.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Airtight Container: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Refrigeration: If your home is warm, you can refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unbaked logs or pre-sliced cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw frozen Christmas Pinwheel Cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations

Customize your baking adventure with these delightful twists that add fun and flavor to your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter; your cookies will still be deliciously soft and colorful.
Minty Fresh: Add peppermint extract instead of almond for a refreshing holiday twist that’s perfect for mint lovers!
Nutty Flavor: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, elevating the texture and taste of your cookies.
Chocolatey Delight: Integrate mini chocolate chips into the dough to create a delightful surprise with every bite. The sweet chocolate pairs wonderfully with the festive design.
Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor sure to warm up any chilly winter day.
Decorative Twist: Experiment with edible glitter or colored sugar for a sparkling finish on your cookies, perfect for that extra festive flair during celebrations.
Layered Treat: Replace one layer of colored dough with a vibrant fruit-flavored dough like raspberry or orange for a fruity surprise inside!

Get inspired by these variations, and make sure to try some alongside other festive cookies like Chocolate Oat Cookies or Artichoke Dip Pinwheels for your holiday gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and roll it into a log up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you prefer, slice the log into cookies and place them on a baking sheet, ready to bake, and they can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days before you pop them in the oven. This way, your cookies will be just as delicious and colorful when you bake them fresh just before serving, ensuring festive delight at any gathering without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Imagine a cozy holiday gathering, where laughter fills the air and delicious aromas waft from the kitchen. Your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are sure to steal the spotlight, but pairing them with delightful accompaniments can elevate your festive experience even further.

Warm Milk: The classic pairing, warm milk complements the cookies’ sweetness while enhancing their soft texture—a nostalgic comfort for all ages.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A cup of creamy hot chocolate adds a rich cocoa contrast, making every bite of the cookies even more indulgent.
Coffee or Espresso: The warmth and bitterness of coffee or espresso cut through the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-balanced treat for adult gatherings.
Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, bright contrast, cleansing the palette between sweet bites.
Holiday Eggnog: Whether spiked or non-alcoholic, eggnog captures the essence of the holidays, offering a creamy, spiced complement to your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of this classic treat alongside the cookies; the creaminess beautifully balances the texture and sweetness of the pinwheels.
Gingerbread Cookies: Create a holiday cookie platter by adding some spicy gingerbread for a warm flavor contrast—perfect for festive celebrations.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The sweet-salty duo of chocolate-covered pretzels introduces a crunchy texture that pairs delightfully with the chewiness of the cookies.
Christmas Spritz Cookies: Keep the holiday spirit alive with a variety of cookie textures on your dessert table, making it a visual feast that everybody can enjoy!

Expert Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• Tightly Rolled Log: Ensure your cookie log is rolled tightly to prevent separation during baking, which can result in uneven swirls.

• Chill is Key: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step helps maintain the cookies’ shape when slicing and keeps them from spreading too much.

• Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies and don’t overbake; they should be just set to ensure that delicious softness in your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.

• Vibrant Colors: For brighter swirls, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel gives a more vivid color with less moisture, keeping the dough’s consistency.

• Test Flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Almond extract is lovely, but vanilla or peppermint can add a delicious twist to your classic cookie.

• Sprinkle Options: If you want an elegant finish, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar instead of sprinkles for a stunning presentation.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using unsalted butter, as it provides richness and moisture. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, feel free to substitute with margarine or vegan butter, which works wonderfully in this recipe!

How long can I store my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
These delightful cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen tends to be warm, consider refrigerating them in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Can I freeze Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the unbaked log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then slice and bake as usual.

What should I do if my dough is too soft to roll?
Don’t worry if your dough feels a bit too soft! This can happen if your kitchen is warm. I suggest chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes, then try rolling it out again. If it’s still too soft, adding a little extra flour can help achieve the right consistency without sacrificing taste.

Can I use other colors or flavors for my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Very much so! Get creative and experiment with different color schemes by using various gel food colorings. For flavors, swaps like vanilla or peppermint extract can add a wonderful twist! Enjoy mixing flavors to suit your holiday celebrations or personal preferences.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
I love that you’re thinking about everyone who might enjoy these cookies! It’s important to note that these cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, dairy (butter), and gluten (all-purpose flour). Always keep human treats away from pets, as many ingredients like chocolate or certain nuts can be harmful to them.