As the holiday season rolls around, I find myself tucked away in my cozy kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg weaving through the air like a warm hug. Do you remember those crisp winter days, when the world outside sparkled with frost, and the smell of freshly baked cookies welcomed you home? It’s those little moments filled with warmth and cheer that make the holidays so special. Today, I want to share one of my favorite festive treats with you: Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies!

These delightful cookies are not only beautiful with their vibrant red and green swirls, but they are also incredibly tasty. The tender, buttery cookie base is complemented by a touch of almond extract, making each bite oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy gathering, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Plus, they are fun to make—perfect for involving the kids or getting together with friends. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this festive kitchen adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning with colorful swirls—perfect for holiday gift-giving!
• Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Great for using up leftover holiday sprinkles or food coloring.
• Versatile—you can switch up the colors or flavors to match any celebration.
• A wonderful, nostalgic holiday treat that warms the heart!

Ingredients

Gathering ingredients for these Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup red and green food coloring (about 1 tablespoon each per dough)
• Sugar sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Note: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies perfectly. And trust me, a splash of almond extract takes these cookies to the next level—don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen? Let’s get started with these delightful Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven: Heat up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, as you want your cookies to bake evenly and become blissfully golden without burning.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes. The texture should be soft and airy—this is where the magic happens!
3. Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts until fully combined. You’ll fragrance your kitchen with such a lovely aroma at this point!
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the buttery mixture. Mix on low speed just until fully incorporated—don’t overmix! You want melt-in-your-mouth cookies, not dense ones.
6. Divide the dough: Once your mixture looks amazing, divide the dough into two equal portions in separate bowls.
7. Add color: In one bowl, add your red food coloring and mix until you reach your desired shade. In the second bowl, do the same with the green food coloring. This is where your cookies start to become festive and fun!
8. Chill the dough: Cover each bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out later, ensuring that your dough doesn’t stick and you get those perfect swirls.
9. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the red dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the green dough until you have two colorful rectangles. Aim for them to be the same size to fit perfectly together.
10. Layer and roll: Place the green rectangle on top of the red dough. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Try to keep it as tight as possible to maintain beautiful swirls.
11. Slice and bake: Once you have your dough log, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate again for about 1 hour, or until it’s firm. When you’re ready, preheat your oven again and slice the log into about 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each cookie. If you’d like, sprinkle some sugar on top for extra sparkle.
12. Bake: Pop those beautiful cookies into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. As they bake, your kitchen will smell like a dream!
13. Cool and enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, gather your loved ones and share these colorful bites of joy!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are some fun twists you can try to mix up these Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies:

• Sprinkles: Mix in sprinkles into the dough for an extra festive touch.
• Chocolate version: Substitute 1 cup of the flour for cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey base.
• Spiced cookies: Add ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the dough for a lovely warm flavor.
• Nutty addition: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.

And don’t hesitate to change the colors based on other holidays throughout the year. Think pink and yellow for Easter or red and blue for the Fourth of July!

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies are delightful on their own, but they shine even more when paired with your favorite warm drink. Imagine sipping a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider while nibbling on these delightful treats. For a festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter with holiday greens or alongside a bowl of colorful ornaments. They make a perfect addition to holiday cookie trays, swapping stories with family and friends, or simply enjoying while cozying up with a good book.

Storage Tips

Now, if you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because they disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for that delightful soft texture.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly, and the texture might not be as rich and creamy.

Can I use different flavor extracts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like peppermint or coconut for a unique twist. Just make sure they complement the colors and overall theme of your cookies.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If you find your dough is a bit sticky to work with, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin. Chilling the dough further can also help if it’s too soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can definitely make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Will these cookies hold their shape when baked?

Yes! As long as you chill the dough properly before baking, these cookies should hold their shape beautifully and maintain the delightful swirls. Just keep an eye on the baking time to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delightful recipe for Christmas Swirl Pinwheel Cookies that are sure to bring holiday cheer to your home! I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these colorful cookies as I do. Don’t forget to comment below and let me know how yours turned out or share any fun variations you tried! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of delicious treats!