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Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Festive red-and-green swirl sugar cookies with buttery flavor, soft centers, and crisp edges—perfect for holiday trays and Christmas gifting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
chill time 2 hours
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Colors & Decoration
  • red gel food coloring
  • green gel food coloring
  • festive sprinkles optional for edges

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix into the butter mixture to form dough.
  3. Divide dough into two equal parts. Tint one red and the other green.
  4. Roll each dough into a rectangle between parchment sheets.
  5. Stack the doughs, press lightly, and roll into a tight log starting from the long side.
  6. Wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
  7. Slice into 1/4-inch cookies. Roll edges in sprinkles if desired.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

Notes

For best spirals, make sure dough is completely chilled before slicing.