Christmas Pinwheel Cookies — Festive, Fun, and Perfect for the Holiday Season
Every holiday season has its iconic moments — twinkling lights, the smell of pine, mugs of hot cocoa, and of course, the joy of baking cookies. Among all the festive treats, Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a standout star. With their vibrant red and green swirls, buttery texture, and irresistibly chewy centers, these cookies are as fun to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Whether you’re making cookie platters, assembling a holiday dessert box, preparing gifts for neighbors, or setting up a Christmas baking day with friends or family, these cookies bring instant holiday cheer. They’re colorful, whimsical, nostalgic, and stunning enough to brighten any table — yet surprisingly simple to make.
With a classic sugar-cookie base flavored with vanilla, a smooth dough that’s easy to color and roll, and swirls that bake into perfect spirals, these cookies deliver both impressive presentation and mouthwatering taste.
Get ready to learn everything you need to make flawless pinwheels — from dough consistency to rolling to chilling — plus tips, variations, storage ideas, and creative serving suggestions.
⭐ WHAT MAKES CHRISTMAS PINWHEEL COOKIES SO SPECIAL?
- Visually stunning with classic red and green spirals
- Fun to make — rolling and swirling feels like edible art
- Soft, buttery, and lightly crisp on the edges
- Perfect for gifting
- Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for pros
- Customizable flavors and colors
These cookies often become a tradition because everyone, from kids to adults, loves them.
⭐ THE SECRET TO PERFECT SWIRL COOKIES
Pinwheel cookies rely on three simple steps:
- Make a smooth, sturdy sugar cookie dough
This ensures even layers and clean spirals. - Color and layer the dough evenly
Using gel food coloring keeps the dough soft — no extra liquid. - Chill fully before slicing
Cold dough = sharp edges and perfect spirals.
With these steps, your cookies will look bakery-level every time.
⭐ INGREDIENTS
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Colors & Decorations
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for rolling the edges)
⭐ INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This step gives the cookies their tender texture.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide and Color
Split dough into two equal parts.
- Color one red
- Color one green
Use gel food coloring to avoid altering dough texture.
5. Roll Out Each Dough
Roll each color into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick between parchment sheets.
6. Stack the Dough
Place one colored dough on top of the other.
Gently roll with a rolling pin so they adhere together.
7. Form the Pinwheel
Peel the bottom parchment and roll tightly into a log, starting from the long side for more spirals.
8. Chill
Wrap dough log and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or freeze 30–45 minutes).
Cold dough ensures clean slices.
9. Slice the Cookies
Cut into ¼–⅓ inch slices using a sharp knife.
Option: roll the edges in sprinkles for extra festiveness.
10. Bake
Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
11. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool completely. They’ll be soft in the center with crisp edges.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix into the butter mixture to form dough.
- Divide dough into two equal parts. Tint one red and the other green.
- Roll each dough into a rectangle between parchment sheets.
- Stack the doughs, press lightly, and roll into a tight log starting from the long side.
- Wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Slice into 1/4-inch cookies. Roll edges in sprinkles if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
Notes
⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT CHRISTMAS PINWHEEL COOKIES
Use gel coloring
Liquid coloring can make the dough sticky.
Roll dough evenly
Even layers = perfect spirals.
Chill, chill, chill
Warm dough loses its shape. Cold dough slices perfectly.
Use sharp knife
A clean blade gives smooth cuts.
Rotate the dough while rolling
Keeps spirals tight and clean.
⭐ FLAVOR VARIATIONS
Peppermint Pinwheels
Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
Sugar Cookie + Chocolate
Make one layer chocolate by adding 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Red Velvet + Cream Cheese Swirl
Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the red dough.
Matcha Green Tea Swirl
Replace green food coloring with 2 teaspoons matcha powder.
⭐ SERVING IDEAS
- Add to Christmas cookie platters
- Package in clear treat bags tied with ribbon
- Serve with hot chocolate or milk
- Give as holiday gifts
- Add to holiday dessert boards
- Bring to parties, potlucks, or school events
These cookies stay beautiful and festive even after stacking — perfect for gifting.
⭐ STORAGE & FREEZING
Store
Airtight container, 7 days.
Freeze Dough
Freeze logs up to 2 months. Slice straight from frozen.
Freeze Baked Cookies
Freeze up to 3 months.
⭐ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE ALL SEASON LONG
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies check every holiday baking box. They’re cheerful, colorful, nostalgic, and incredibly tasty. They become a favorite tradition because they’re so fun to make and even more fun to share.
Whether you’re baking trays of cookies for loved ones or enjoying a weekend baking session at home, these bright red-and-green spirals bring pure Christmas joy to every bite.
