Christmas Pinwheel Cookies 🎄 Easy, Festive & Delicious Holiday Treat!

Table of Contents: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of buttery cookies baking in the oven during the holidays—especially when those cookies are as dazzling as Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. For readers aged 40–65+, this nostalgic treat brings back warm memories of baking with grandparents, wrapping gifts, and sharing sweets with neighbors. These Holiday swirl cookies are more than just dessert—they’re edible works of art, showcasing vibrant red and green swirls that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a cookie exchange, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Festive pinwheel biscuits are the perfect way to spread joy, one slice at a time.

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Introduction: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Few holiday desserts capture the magic of Christmas quite like Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. With their striking marbled swirls of red and green tucked inside tender, buttery layers, these Rolled Christmas cookies are a visual celebration of the season. They’re not just pretty—they’re packed with classic vanilla flavor, a golden-brown crisp edge, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tradition and simplicity, making it ideal for home bakers who want impressive results without spending an entire weekend in the kitchen.

Perfect for Christmas morning, holiday parties, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, Holiday swirl cookies are a tradition worth starting or continuing. Their ease of preparation (yes, even for beginners!) and visual appeal make them a favorite among families. The red-and-green Festive pinwheel biscuits are especially magical when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying Rolled Christmas cookies for the first time, this recipe will become a cherished part of your holiday baking rotation.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might find these beloved treats under slightly different names across family cookbooks and baking blogs. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are also commonly known as Holiday swirl cookies, Festive pinwheel biscuits, Candy cane swirl cookies (especially when red and white), or Jelly roll cookies. Some variations use different flavorings—like almond extract or finely grated orange zest—to give a festive twist. Others incorporate sprinkles or colored sugars on top before baking. If you’re searching for “soft swirl cookies with vanilla flavor” or “easy rolled holiday cookies no chilling,” you’re likely finding recipes very similar to this one. The core concept remains: two colored doughs rolled together, sliced, and baked into stunning Rolled Christmas cookies.

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Ingredients: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

• – 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting surfaces)
• – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a tender, light crumb)
• – 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (enhances flavor and balances sweetness)
• – 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, for easy creaming and rich texture)
• – 3/4 cup granulated sugar (pure cane sugar for a delicate grain and bright sweetness)
• – 1 large egg (at room temperature for even mixing)
• – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (premium quality makes a noticeable difference)
• – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid red food coloring (adjust to achieve vibrant Christmas-red hues)
• – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid green food coloring (for forest-green depth—avoid gel if possible to prevent dough stiffening)

> Pro Tip: Use liquid food coloring rather than gel to avoid altering the dough’s consistency. Gel colors are concentrated and can make the dough too stiff to roll smoothly.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Don’t overmix.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

5. Divide the Dough
Split the dough evenly into two separate bowls (about 1 1/4 cups each).

6. Add Food Coloring
To one portion, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid red food coloring. To the other, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid green food coloring. Mix each until the color is uniform. Start with the lower amount and add more gradually to reach your desired shade.

7. Roll Each Dough into a Rectangle
On a piece of parchment paper dusted with flour, roll each colored dough into a 9×7-inch rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick). Keep edges neat for a clean swirl.

8. Stack and Sandwich
Carefully slide the red dough onto the green (or vice versa) so they’re perfectly aligned. Use the parchment to help guide them together.

9. Roll into a Tight Log
Starting from one long edge, gently roll the stacked doughs into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Chilling is essential for clean slicing and preventing spread.

10. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

11. Slice into Cookies
Remove log from fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Reshape slightly with your hands if they flatten during cutting.

12. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers will still look soft—they set as they cool.

13. Cool and Store
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

> Chef Tips:
> – Use a lightly floured piece of string or dental floss to slice delicate logs.
> – Freeze unbaked dough logs for future baking (see storage tips below).
> – Substitute peppermint extract for vanilla in the red dough for a candy-cane twist!

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling
Cook time: 9 to 11 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies (about 3 dozen)
Approximate calories: 85 per cookie
Category: Holiday Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, Holiday swirl cookies, Rolled Christmas cookies, Festive pinwheel biscuits
Diet: Nut-free, makes ahead

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe stands out because it delivers restaurant-quality visual appeal with home kitchen convenience. The use of liquid food coloring ensures vibrant, true-to-life hues without compromising dough texture—unlike gel alternatives that can cause cracking during rolling. The dual-color sandwich technique (rolling red and green together) creates a more dynamic swirl than marbling, resulting in Festive pinwheel biscuits that look professionally made. These cookies are easy comfort food for family dinners, visually impressive enough for holiday tablescapes, and simple enough for baking with kids.

The chilled log method ensures clean cuts and minimal spread, giving you uniform, bakery-quality slices every time. Plus, the vanilla-based dough is universally loved—sweet, buttery, and not overly rich. For a make-ahead holiday dessert, this recipe is unbeatable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or gifting a dozen to a neighbor, these Rolled Christmas cookies are a guaranteed hit.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing unbaked dough? Yes! Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove the log and let it thaw slightly (10–15 minutes), then slice and bake as directed. This makes Holiday swirl cookies a perfect make-ahead option. You can also freeze Festive pinwheel biscuits after baking. Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

While reheating isn’t necessary, you can refresh cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to revive crispiness.

> Pro Insight: Freezing dough is ideal for busy bakers—prepare logs during free time, then bake fresh cookies on demand during the holiday rush.

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People Also Ask: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

How do you make Christmas pinwheel cookies?

To make Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, start by preparing a simple shortbread-style dough, then split it in half. Mix red food coloring into one portion and green into the other. Roll each into rectangles, stack them together, roll into a log, and chill. Slice into rounds and bake at 350°F until golden. The key is chilling the log first for clean cuts. This method ensures striking swirls inside every bite. These Rolled Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or gifting. With a soft, buttery texture and festive appearance, they’re a delightful treat for all ages and skill levels.

What colors are typical for pinwheel cookies?

The most common and festive colors for pinwheel cookies are red and green, representing the traditional Christmas color palette. These Festive pinwheel biscuits often use liquid food coloring to achieve bright, cheerful hues. Red symbolizes joy and celebration, while green represents tradition and nature. Other variations include red and white (candy-cane style) or blue and white for wintery themes. However, Holiday swirl cookies in red and green remain the classic choice, especially during December. Whether you use subtle tints or vibrant shades, color contrast is key to creating eye-catching Christmas Pinwheel Cookies that shine on any dessert table.

Can you freeze pinwheel cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can absolutely freeze pinwheel cookie dough for later use. Wrap the uncut log tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. The dough will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly (10–15 minutes) at room temperature until soft enough to slice cleanly. Then, bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to prepare Rolled Christmas cookies ahead of holiday gatherings. Freezing is especially useful for Holiday swirl cookies, as prepping the dough days or weeks in advance reduces last-minute baking stress. Fresh, homemade cookies without the rush!

How long do pinwheel cookies bake?

Pinwheel cookies typically bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The exact time depends on cookie thickness and oven calibration. Look for edges that are lightly golden brown and centers that are just set—don’t overbake, or they’ll dry out. The cookies continue to firm up as they cool. For best results, rotate the baking sheet halfway through. These Festive pinwheel biscuits should be tender and buttery, not crisp throughout. If you prefer a softer texture, lean toward 9 minutes. For a slightly more golden edge, go for 11. Always let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Conclusion: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

There’s nothing quite like biting into a Christmas Pinwheel Cookie and seeing that burst of red and green spiral inside—each one feels like a tiny holiday greeting you can eat. This recipe combines the comfort of classic baked goods with the excitement of edible art, making it a must-try for the season. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cookie exchange, wrapping them as gifts, or serving them after a family dinner, these Holiday swirl cookies are sure to spark smiles.

I’d love to hear about your baking adventure! Try this version of Festive pinwheel biscuits, tweak the colors, or even add a pinch of cinnamon. Snap a photo, tag me, and share your creations. Let’s keep this sweet tradition alive for years to come—one buttery, beautiful cookie at a time.

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