Festive Pinwheel Christmas Cookies

What kind of recipe is it?

Festive Pinwheel Christmas Cookies are a delightful and vibrant treat perfect for the holiday season.

These eye-catching cookies feature a swirl of colorful dough, blending rich flavors and festive designs that make them a joy to both bake and share.

Ideal for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging during the holidays, they bring a playful twist to traditional baking.

Anyone who enjoys creating festive treats or wants to impress loved ones with delicious, visually appealing cookies will find this recipe irresistible.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ¾ cups (340g)
Granulated sugar	1 cup (200g)
Unsalted butter	1 cup (230g), softened
Brown sugar	¼ cup (50g)
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Baking powder	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Milk	2 tablespoons
Food coloring (red)	1 tablespoon
Food coloring (green)	1 tablespoon
Confectioners’ sugar	For dusting (optional)
Sprinkles	For decoration (optional)

Feel free to adjust the decorations or add more colors to personalize your festive pinwheel cookies!

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Cooking Steps

Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the rack in the middle.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 230 g (1 cup) of softened unsalted butter, 200 g (1 cup) of granulated sugar, and 50 g (¼ cup) of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined, about 1 minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 340 g (2 ¾ cups) of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined, about 1–2 minutes.
Divide the dough in half. Color one half with 1 tablespoon of red food coloring and the other half with 1 tablespoon of green food coloring. Use your hands to knead the food coloring into the dough until evenly distributed.
Place each colored dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll them out to a rectangle about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) thick using a rolling pin, ensuring even thickness.
Carefully peel away the top layer of parchment paper from both rectangles. Place the red dough on top of the green dough, aligning the edges. Gently press them together to adhere.
Starting from one edge, roll the combined dough tightly into a log shape using the parchment paper as a guide. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once chilled, preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) while you remove the dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 0.5 cm (¼ inch) thick cookies.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should have a soft texture when touched.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Adjust the decorating to your preference!

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Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheels: Add 50 g (½ cup) of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and swirl in crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist.
Gluten-Free Delight: Substitute the all-purpose flour with 340 g (2 ¾ cups) of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version that retains the original flavor.
Vegan Mint Pinwheels: Replace the egg with 60 ml (¼ cup) of unsweetened applesauce and use vegan butter for a dairy-free and egg-free treat.
Cinnamon Swirl Variation: Mix in 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the dough and create a swirl effect with an extra layer of cinnamon sugar before rolling up for a spicy, aromatic addition.

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Tips on plating and presentation

While the taste of festive pinwheel Christmas cookies is unquestionably the star of the show, how you present them can enhance their appeal even more.

Try arranging the cookies on a vibrant platter, alternating colors to create visual interest. Adding some festive decorations, like holly or sprigs of rosemary, can elevate the presentation.

Don’t forget to sprinkle a little powdered sugar for that extra flair!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

Pairing festive pinwheel Christmas cookies with complementary dishes can truly enhance your holiday gatherings.

I love serving them alongside a rich, creamy cheesecake or a light fruit tart.

They also go wonderfully with nut-based desserts, like pecan pie or almond cake.

These pairings create a delightful balance of flavors, making my dessert table a festive and inviting spread that everyone enjoys.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

To elevate your festive pinwheel Christmas cookies, I recommend pairing them with beverages that accentuate their vibrant flavors.

A warm cup of spiced cider complements the sweetness beautifully. For something cooler, a sparkling cranberry lemonade adds a revitalizing touch.

If you’re in the mood for coffee, a creamy peppermint mocha will perfectly enhance those delightful layers.

Enjoy experimenting with these tasty combinations!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, you can make these cookies gluten-free! I’ve had great success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to check the rest of your ingredients for hidden gluten. Enjoy your baking!

How Long Do These Cookies Last After Baking?

After baking, I’ve found these cookies last about a week when stored in an airtight container. They might even taste better a day or two later, so enjoy them fresh or let them sit!

Can I Freeze the Pinwheel Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies! I usually wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three months, making them perfect for future enjoyment.

What Baking Tools Do I Need for This Recipe?

You’ll need a mixing bowl, rolling pin, parchment paper, sharp knife, and baking sheet for this recipe. I always keep measuring cups and spoons handy too; they really make the process much smoother and easier.

Are There Any Common Mistakes to Avoid?

I’ve learned to avoid overmixing the dough and not chilling it long enough. Also, cutting uneven slices can lead to inconsistent baking, so I try to keep everything uniform for perfect results every time!