If you’re looking to sprinkle some joy and festive flair into your holiday baking, the Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming cookies feature a beautiful swirl of red and white dough that not only looks stunning but delivers a soft, buttery bite with a subtle hint of vanilla and almond or peppermint—it’s like tasting Christmas itself. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe brings the perfect balance of fun and flavor that will brighten up any holiday celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make these Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies a breeze to whip up, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, color, and festive taste you’ll adore.
- 1 cup butter (softened): The base that creates richness and tenderness in every bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the ideal crisp edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for a soft cookie center.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings that warm, familiar flavor to brighten the dough.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or peppermint extract): Adds a festive twist—almond for a subtle nuttiness or peppermint for cool holiday cheer.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure provider for cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep cookies light and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred): Creates the classic pinwheel swirl with vibrant color that pops.
- 1/4 cup Christmas Nonpareilles (round sprinkles): Adds playful holiday sparkle and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you achieve a light, fluffy texture—this step is crucial for that tender crumb we all love. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and your choice of almond or peppermint extract to infuse the dough with fragrant holiday flavors. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. The dough should come together soft but not sticky. Divide the dough into two equal portions for the pinwheel effect.
Step 2: Color and Roll the Dough
Take one portion of dough and knead in the red food coloring until the color is evenly distributed; gel food coloring works best for vivid results. On a lightly floured surface, roll out both the red and plain dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick and roughly the same size. To get that perfect pinwheel shape, carefully layer the red dough on top of the plain dough, then gently press to adhere the layers together. Using a spatula, sprinkle the Christmas Nonpareilles evenly across the top to add that classic festive sparkle.
Step 3: Form the Pinwheels and Bake
Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, similar to rolling a jelly roll. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it for at least an hour—this firmness will help achieve neat, defined pinwheel slices. When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled roll into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these delightful cookies even further, consider adding an extra dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or cinnamon sticks served alongside can add a warm, aromatic touch that beautifully complements the cookie’s festive flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa loaded with marshmallows or a spiced eggnog for the quintessential holiday experience. These cookies also shine when served beside creamy vanilla or peppermint-flavored coffee drinks, making your snack break truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these pinwheel beauties in a festive tin lined with colorful tissue paper to make a thoughtful gift. For parties, serve them on a decorative holiday platter garnished with holly berries and pine sprigs. If you’re feeling creative, thread cookie slices onto a ribbon to create an edible holiday garland that doubles as enchanting décor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, keeping them soft yet slightly crisp around the edges. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their pretty pinwheel patterns.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the log in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as usual. Baked cookies also freeze well—store cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness without toughening the texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract for peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Both almond and peppermint extracts add wonderful festive notes, so choose whichever flavor suits your holiday mood or preference. You can even experiment by mixing them gently for a unique taste.
Why does the dough need to be chilled before slicing?
Chilling firms up the dough log, making it easier to slice cleanly without squashing or distorting the pinwheel effect. It helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.
What kind of sprinkles are best for these cookies?
Small round Christmas Nonpareilles work best because they adhere nicely to the dough without melting away. They add a festive crunch and a splash of color that enhances the holiday spirit.
Can I use natural food coloring instead of synthetic?
Yes, but natural colorings may yield a less vibrant red and could affect the dough’s moisture slightly. Beet juice powder or powdered freeze-dried raspberries are good natural options to try.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free baking flour blends that measure cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour for a similar result.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe will become a treasured staple in your holiday baking traditions. They are as fun to make as they are to eat, radiating festive joy in every swirl and sprinkle. Whether shared with family, gifted to friends, or enjoyed by yourself with a warm drink, these cookies embody the spirit of the season perfectly. So roll up your sleeves and dive into the delights of making these sweet holiday treats—you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3.3 dozen (approximately 40 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies. These soft and buttery cookies feature a delightful swirl of vanilla and almond (or peppermint) flavors, decorated with vibrant red coloring and whimsical Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring cheer to your holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or peppermint extract, if you prefer)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (or less if more concentrated, gel recommended)
Decoration
- 1/4 cup Christmas Nonpareilles (round sprinkles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond or peppermint extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Color and Divide Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Mix the red food coloring into one portion of the dough thoroughly until the color is uniform. Leave the other portion plain. Chill both dough portions in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Form the Pinwheels: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle approximately 12×9 inches. Roll out the red dough into a similar sized rectangle. Carefully place the red dough layer on top of the plain dough layer and gently press to adhere. Roll the layered dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to set the shape.
- Slice and Decorate: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Lightly press Christmas Nonpareilles onto the surface of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Almond extract can be swapped for peppermint extract to give the cookies a classic holiday flavor twist.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red without altering the dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to make slicing easier and helps maintain the pinwheel shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use egg replacer.
