Name: Irresistibly Fun Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies You’ll Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 222 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar cookie dough (homemade or pre-made); 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel coloring preferred); 1 cup Christmas nonpareil sprinkles (ensure freshness)

When the holiday spirit is in the air, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. For me, the joy of Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies brings back sweet memories of bustling kitchens and laughter-filled gatherings. These vibrant, colorful treats not only taste delicious but also serve as a canvas for your creativity. With a classic sugar cookie dough as your base, the possibilities for customization are endless—whether you prefer a peppermint twist or a citrus zing, you can tailor them to suit your festive palate.

Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa on cozy evenings, these cookies are sure to impress with their whimsical swirls and cheerful sprinkles. Let’s roll up our sleeves and create some delightful memories together, one colorful pinwheel at a time!

Why are Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies a must-try?

Joyful Creativity: With a simple base dough, these cookies invite you to unleash your inner artist, enabling endless flavor and color combinations.
Festive Appeal: Their bright, swirly design not only tastes great but also adds a cheerful touch to your holiday spread, making them instant crowd-pleasers.
Easy to Make: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, the straightforward steps help you whip these up in no time.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box for charming homemade gifts that carry your holiday spirit.
Tradition with a Twist: Creating these cookies can become a cherished holiday ritual to enjoy with family and friends, fostering togetherness and joy.
Elevate your festive experience with these delightful treats, and if you’re looking for more ways to celebrate, check out our guide on Holiday Baking Essentials.

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Sugar Cookie Dough – This sweet and versatile dough forms the foundation of your cookies and can be easily made at home or purchased pre-made.
• Red Food Coloring – Used to tint half of the dough, gel coloring provides a vibrant hue without altering texture, making the cookies visually festive.

For the Coating
• Christmas Nonpareil Sprinkles – These delightful, tiny balls add a colorful and festive touch to each cookie; make sure they are fresh for the best adherence.

These Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are not only easy to create but allow for plenty of personal flair. Enjoy making them with family and friends!

How to Make Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Prepare the Dough:
Divide the sugar cookie dough evenly, then knead red food coloring into one half until you achieve a vibrant hue.
Roll Out the Dough:
Place each colored dough between sheets of parchment paper and roll them out into rectangles about ¼ inch thick. This ensures they are uniform for easy layering.
Layer the Dough:
Stack the uncolored dough on top of the colored dough. Carefully remove the top parchment, then gently roll the two layers into a log shape. If you find the dough sticky, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before rolling.
Chill the Log:
Wrap the formed log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps maintain the shape during baking.
Coat with Sprinkles:
Once chilled, roll the log in Christmas nonpareil sprinkles until it’s fully coated. Rewrap and refrigerate for an additional 3 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat and Slice:
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Slice the chilled log into 1-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each cookie.
Bake and Cool:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until set but still soft. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Optional: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply divide and color the dough, then wrap each half securely in plastic and refrigerate. Additionally, once the dough is rolled into a log, it can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing. To maintain the cookies’ delightful texture, be sure to chill the logs adequately before rolling in sprinkles, and remember to bake them fresh just prior to serving for that warm, festive appeal. Enjoy the convenience of meal prep while treating your loved ones to these colorful delights!

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Variations

Get ready to let your imagination run wild and personalize these cookies to make them truly yours!

Flavor Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the sugar dough.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to create a delightful vegan version without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Friendly: Use a gluten-free baking blend instead of traditional sugar cookie dough to keep these festive treats accessible for everyone.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios into the dough for added texture and a hint of earthy flavor.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a cozy, spiced flavor that brings holiday warmth to your cookies. This combination feels like a hug in cookie form!
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for a rich, indulgent touch that takes them to the next level of deliciousness.
Colorful Layers: Experiment with different gel colors to create a rainbow of pinwheel patterns, making each batch as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Let these variations inspire you to create your perfect holiday cookie masterpiece!

Expert Tips for Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill the dough long enough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. A well-chilled log maintains its shape beautifully.
Use Gel Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to enhance the vibrancy of your Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies without compromising the dough’s texture.
Gentle Rolling: Be gentle when rolling the dough log—too much pressure may cause the layers to break. A light touch preserves those gorgeous swirls!
Fresh Sprinkles: Make sure your Christmas nonpareil sprinkles are fresh. Stale sprinkles won’t adhere well and can dull the festive appearance of your cookies.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix flavors! Adding peppermint or citrus zest before rolling creates unique and delightful variations.

What to Serve with Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies?

Nothing brings the holiday spirit to life quite like a spread of warm, spiced treats alongside vibrant, colorful cookies.

Hot Cocoa: This rich, creamy beverage perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing for chilly nights. Top with whipped cream for extra comfort!
Milk: A classic choice, cold milk enhances the sugary flavors of the pinwheel cookies, making every bite a nostalgic experience reminiscent of childhood.
Festive Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds and mandarin oranges add a refreshing burst of flavor and color, balancing the sweetness of your cookies beautifully.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider offers a fragrant holiday aroma and a spiced warmth that pairs fantastically with the festive sprinkles of your cookies.
Gingerbread Men: Serve alongside these cookies for a classic duo that highlights holiday flavors. Their spicy sweetness complements the bright, sugary tastes of the pinwheels wonderfully.
Decorative Dessert Platter: Create a cheerful assortment of cookies, pastries, and candies for a vibrant display that not only looks gorgeous but delights the taste buds.

Gather with friends and family, share the joy of baking, and complement these cherished Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance your festive celebration!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Fridge: You can refrigerate the cookies for an extended shelf life. Just remember to place them in an airtight container where they’ll stay good for about 10 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the prepared dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies!

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right food coloring for my cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using gel food coloring because it provides a more vibrant hue without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring can also be used, but it may make the dough a little too wet. Start with a small amount of gel, adding more until you reach your desired shade!

What’s the best way to store my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
You can store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll stay fresh for about 10 days. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze the prepared dough for up to 3 months. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. Enjoy the anticipation of those fresh cookies!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to roll out, no worries at all! Just pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will firm it up, making it easier to handle. If it’s still sticky, you can sprinkle a little flour or powdered sugar on your workspace while rolling it out.

Can my pets enjoy these cookies?
It’s best to avoid sharing Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with your furry friends. The sugar and potential food coloring can be harmful to pets. Instead, consider making a special pet-friendly treat, so they can join in on the holiday fun too!

How can I add different flavors to my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies?
Very easily! You can incorporate different extracts like peppermint or vanilla into the dough during mixing. For an extra twist, try adding citrus zest or spices like nutmeg and cinnamon that pair beautifully with the holiday theme. Mix and match to create your own signature flavor!