Festive Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that brings joy to every holiday table, look no further than Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies. These eye-catching spiral cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re guaranteed to brighten up your cookie trays. Whether you’re prepping a dessert table, filling a cookie tin, or planning Christmas treats for a work party, these cookies strike the perfect balance between festive flair and classic sugar cookie goodness.

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Why These Colorful Xmas Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about homemade Christmas cookies, and these swirled sugar pinwheels are a beautiful twist on a traditional favorite. Their vibrant red and green spirals, buttery texture, and simple ingredients make them an easy yet impressive dessert to include in your Christmas cookie tin recipes lineup.

What makes them even better? These Xmas cookies are easy to make with just a few pantry staples, and they’re freezer-friendly too — perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.

If you’re looking for other festive treats to round out your dessert table, try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, which also offer that soft and chewy texture everyone loves.

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring
• Optional: sprinkles or sanding sugar for rolling

Using basic sugar cookie dough, you’ll create colored layers that roll together into perfect spirals. You can also get creative with flavors — a dash of peppermint or almond extract makes for a delightful variation.

For healthier twists on holiday sweets, check out the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake — it’s a warm, protein-packed dessert alternative.

Essential Baking Tools for Holiday Cookie Success

To make the process smoother and more fun, gather these baking tools before you start:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing dough evenly)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Pro Tip: A bench scraper helps lift the dough without tearing, especially when layering the colors together.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

1. Make the Dough
   Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
2. Divide and Dye
   Split the dough into two or three portions (depending on how many colors you want) and mix in red and green food coloring.
3. Layer and Roll
   Roll out each dough color into equal-sized rectangles. Stack them on top of one another and roll into a log.
4. Chill
   Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — this helps maintain the pinwheel shape during slicing.
5. Slice and Bake
   Cut the chilled log into ¼-inch slices. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until the edges are just set.
6. Cool and Serve
   Let cool completely before stacking, serving, or packaging.

If you’re into more creative holiday snacks, check out Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts for spooky, fun alternatives.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Pinwheel Swirl Pattern

• Roll the dough evenly to avoid a lopsided swirl.
• Chill the dough thoroughly before slicing for clean edges.
• Use parchment paper to help roll the dough smoothly.
• Add sprinkles or sugar to the outside of the log before slicing for extra sparkle.

Bonus: If you’re a fan of themed cookies, Cauldron Cookies are a fun choice for Halloween, but the concept easily adapts to Christmas with red and green details.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Christmas Cookie Planning

These cookies are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them an ideal Christmas treat for party planning. You can freeze:

• The raw dough logs (wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months)
• Baked cookies (in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks)

This makes them perfect for assembling cookie tins in advance. Speaking of tins, pair these cookies with Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups for an adorable mix of bite-sized holiday desserts.

Christmas Cookie Tin Recipes: How These Fit Right In

A good holiday cookie tin includes variety: soft, chewy, crunchy, and colorful options. These pinwheels tick all the boxes:

• Visually striking
• Flavorful but not overpowering
• Sturdy enough for shipping or stacking
• Easy to make in large batches

For even more cookie tin inspiration, Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls can be mini-sized to fit into a dessert box or tin.

Ideas for Gifting Christmas Cookies to Coworkers and Friends

Need thoughtful but budget-friendly Christmas cookies for coworkers? A dozen pinwheels wrapped in festive cellophane with a ribbon make an instant hit.

Pro Tip: Pair them with a homemade drink like Lavender Lemonade or a warm mix of Pumpkin Fluff Dip for a DIY gift basket.

Serving These at a Christmas Treats for Work Party or Holiday Gathering

These cookies make a great addition to any Christmas treats for work party or family get-together. Set them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by:

• Peppermint bark
• Chocolate truffles
• Apple Pie Dip with cinnamon chips
• Pumpkin Brownies or other bite-sized sweets

They’re also kid-friendly and great for cookie-decorating stations at parties.

Fun Variations and Flavor Twists for Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Get creative by trying these fun variations:

• Add peppermint extract to one of the dough colors
• Use blue and white food coloring for a winter-themed swirl
• Add cocoa powder to one layer for a chocolate-vanilla combo
• Dip one half of each cookie in white chocolate and add crushed candy canes

If you enjoy themed holiday recipes, you might also love our Mini Halloween Pizzas or Cockroach Cupcakes — creepy but creative!

How to Store and Package Cookies for Maximum Freshness

• Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking
• Use holiday tins or mason jars for gifting

Bonus Tip: These cookies make great favors when packaged in Christmas dessert decor like snowflake-printed treat bags.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pinwheel Cookies

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure perfect results:

• Dough too warm = messy swirls
• Overbaking = dry, crumbly texture
• Uneven rolling = lopsided cookies
• Too much food coloring = bitter taste

Stick to gel-based coloring for vibrant hues without affecting flavor.

Pairing Ideas: From Easy Christmas Dinner Sides to Winter Pie Ideas

Looking for Christmas dinner items or easy Christmas dinner sides to round out your festive spread? Try pairing these cookies with:

• Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles

Or, for something sweet and cozy, serve alongside Winter Pie Ideas like apple crisp or pumpkin pie bars.

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FAQ: Xmas Cookies Easy, Party-Friendly, and Foolproof

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Freeze dough logs or baked cookies for stress-free prep.

Q: Can I ship these to friends and family?
Absolutely. They’re sturdy enough for mailing in cookie tins.

Q: Can I use other colors?
Yes — try blue and silver for a Hanukkah theme or red and white for Valentine’s Day.

Q: Are these kid-friendly?
Yes. Kids can help mix, roll, and even decorate.

Final Thoughts and More Christmas Food Ideas to Try This Season

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies bring together the best parts of the holiday season — vibrant colors, sweet flavors, and memories in the making. Whether you’re baking for family, coworkers, or just yourself, these cookies deliver a festive experience that’s easy, customizable, and unforgettable.

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