Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are festive, colorful, and buttery treats that brighten every holiday cookie tray. These cookies feature two layers of soft sugar cookie dough rolled together to create a beautiful spiral design. With their red, green, and white swirls, they capture the cheerful spirit of the season. They look impressive, yet the recipe is simple enough for beginners. These cookies are fun to bake with kids, great for parties, and perfect for gifting during the holidays. Their slightly crisp edges and soft centers make them enjoyable for all ages. Because the dough chills well, you can prepare them ahead of time for stress-free holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

They look stunning without complicated decorating. The dough is soft, buttery, and full of classic sugar cookie flavor. The colors stay bright when baked. The cookies slice cleanly for perfect spirals. The recipe uses pantry staples. You can prepare the dough ahead. The cookies stay fresh for days. They are great for cookie exchanges and gifting. Kids love helping roll the dough. They add instant color to your Christmas dessert table.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

You should try this recipe if you want cookies that look impressive but require simple steps. The dough is easy to handle and rolls smoothly. The colors blend beautifully without bleeding. You can customize the shades and patterns to match any holiday theme. The pinwheel shape creates a bakery-style presentation. These cookies hold their shape while baking, which makes them reliable for all skill levels. They bring holiday cheer with every slice and always stand out on a tray.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Coloring & Extras

Red gel food coloring
Green gel food coloring
Holiday sprinkles (optional)

How to Make This Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies (Detailed)

1. Prepare the Dough

Cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Divide and Color

Split the dough into two equal parts. Leave one plain. Color the second half with red gel food coloring. Add enough to reach a bright holiday red. If you want three colors, divide the dough again and add green coloring.

3. Roll the Dough

Roll each dough portion between parchment sheets to create even rectangles. Chill the dough for about 20 minutes so it is easier to handle.

4. Layer the Dough

Place the red dough on top of the plain dough. Press lightly so they stick together. Trim uneven edges.

5. Create the Pinwheel

Roll the dough tightly into a log to create a spiral shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours. The chilling step helps the cookies slice cleanly.

6. Slice and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into ¼-inch rounds. Place cookies on a baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set. Cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie)

Calories: 110
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 14g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for the Best Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies (Detailed)

Use gel food coloring for bright shades. Chill the dough long enough for clean slicing. Roll the dough evenly for perfect spirals. Trim edges before rolling for a smooth finish. Slice the dough with a sharp knife. Use parchment for smooth rolling. Avoid overbaking so the cookies stay soft. Add sprinkles to the outside of the log for extra color.

Variations & Substitutions

Use green instead of red for a two-color pinwheel. Add peppermint extract for a minty twist. Use three layers: red, white, and green. Add sprinkles inside the dough for fun confetti. Use cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Swap almond extract for lemon extract for a fresh flavor.

What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Serve with hot chocolate, Christmas coffee drinks, milk, or holiday tea. Add them to cookie platters, dessert boards, or Christmas tins. Pair with brownies, fudge, truffles, or gingerbread cookies. They also make great treats for parties and school events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip chilling or the dough will stretch. Do not use liquid coloring because it softens the dough. Do not roll the dough too thin or it may tear. Do not slice the dough when soft. Do not overmix or the cookies may become tough. Avoid overbaking because the colors may fade.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Freeze the dough log for up to two months. Slice and bake directly from frozen with a slightly longer bake time. Store baked cookies in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them next to strong-smelling foods.

Conclusion

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are cheerful, colorful, and full of classic sugar cookie flavor. They look festive without complicated decorating and bring holiday charm to any cookie tray. Their bright spirals make them perfect for gifting, parties, and holiday baking traditions. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must for your Christmas collection.

10 Recipe FAQ’s

1. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze the log for up to two months.
2. Can I use liquid food coloring? No, gel coloring works best.
3. Can I make three colors? Yes, red, green, and white look great.
4. Why is my dough cracking? It may be too cold. Let it soften slightly.
5. How do I avoid flat cookies? Chill the dough before slicing.
6. Can I use salted butter? Yes, but reduce added salt.
7. Can I add sprinkles to the outside? Yes, press them onto the log before chilling.
8. Can I make them thicker? Yes, slice slightly thicker for softer cookies.
9. Can kids help? Yes, they love the rolling and slicing steps.
10. Can I make the dough ahead? Yes, chill up to 48 hours before baking.