These Christmas pinwheel cookies combine layers of red, green, and plain dough to create visually striking spirals. The dough is softly creamed with butter and sugar before adding egg, vanilla, and a balanced mix of flour and leavening agents. Divided into three portions, each dough batch is colored and chilled, then rolled and stacked carefully. The rolled log is sliced to reveal the spiral pattern, coated with red sanding sugar, and baked until just set. Cooling on racks ensures a crisp, tender finish perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Chilling and freezing steps help keep the distinct layers intact while baking. The cookie texture is buttery and tender, offset by sweet and vibrant colors that please both eyes and palate. These cookies blend classic holiday hues with a smooth, delicate crumb, making them a standout festive treat.
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Barbara Chef
By Barbara
Updated on Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:29:06 GMT
A plate of colorful cookies.
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A plate of colorful cookies. | gracefulflavors.com
These Christmas pinwheel cookies bring a festive burst of color and flavor to your holiday baking. The layers of vibrant red, green, and plain dough roll together into beautiful spirals that are almost too pretty to eat. They taste buttery and sweet with a little crunch from the sanding sugar, making them perfect to share or gift during the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple pantry ingredients with just a few extra festive touches like gel food coloring and sanding sugar
The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen to spread out your baking
Each cookie looks stunning with the bright red and green spirals against the buttery dough
I first baked these at a holiday party, and everyone was so impressed by how they looked. Now they are my go-to cookie whenever I want to bring visual cheer alongside delicious flavor.
Ezoic
Ingredients
Butter: softened to room temperature makes the dough creamy and tender avoid melted butter to keep the texture right
Sugar: sweetens the cookies and helps with crispness
One egg: acts as a binder giving structure to the dough
Vanilla extract: adds warm depth and enhances the buttery flavor
All-purpose flour: is the base choose a reliable brand to ensure consistent texture
Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor
Baking soda: helps the cookies spread just enough without puffing too much
Red and green gel food coloring: for vibrant streak-free color gel works better than liquid for dough
Red sanding sugar: adds sparkle and a bit of crunch turning each cookie into a festive treat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Scream Cream and Mix:
Add the softened butter and sugar to your stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is creamy and light about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat well scraping down the sides to incorporate everything evenly.
