Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are bright, cheerful, and irresistible. Their colorful red and green swirls make them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and gift boxes. These cookies are soft, sweet, and full of classic vanilla flavor. The dough rolls smoothly, the swirl slices cleanly, and the nonpareils add a joyful crunch that delights both kids and adults. These cookies look impressive but are simple to make, which makes them a great choice for holiday baking. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Their festive appearance and satisfying texture make them a favorite treat throughout the season.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Red and green gel food coloring
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
Holiday-colored nonpareils
Instructions
Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Tint one portion red and the other green using gel food coloring. Roll each dough between parchment paper to form rectangles. Place one colored dough on top of the other and roll tightly to create a swirl log. Roll the log in nonpareils and chill for at least two hours until firm. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Place onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set. Cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack. Store in an airtight container when fully cooled.
Tips for Perfect Swirls
Use gel coloring to create bright red and green dough. Chill the dough long enough to keep the swirl clean when slicing. Rotate the log while cutting to avoid flattening. Freeze dough logs for up to three months to make holiday prep easier.
PrintChristmas Pinwheel Cookies: Festive Swirls for Every Holiday Celebration
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
Description
Bright and festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with red and green swirls rolled in colorful nonpareils. Soft, sweet, and perfect for holiday baking.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Red and green gel food coloring
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
Holiday-colored nonpareils
Instructions
1. Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine with the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
5. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
6. Tint one dough red and the other green using gel coloring.
7. Roll each dough into rectangles between parchment sheets.
8. Stack the dough sheets and roll into a tight swirl log.
9. Roll the dough log in nonpareils.
10. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or until firm.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
12. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds.
13. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set.
14. Cool briefly on the baking sheet.
15. Transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
16. Store in an airtight container when cooled.
Notes
Gel coloring keeps the dough bright without adding moisture.
Chilling helps the dough slice neatly.
Rotate the dough log while slicing to keep the round shape.
Freeze the dough log for baking later.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: Christmas pinwheel cookies, holiday swirl cookies, festive cookies