Baking Christmas cookies is one of our favorite holiday traditions. These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are bright, buttery, and absolutely delicious — the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer to neighbors, friends, and family. With their festive red and green swirls, these cookies look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop!

If you’re looking for an easy Christmas cookie recipe that’s fun to make with kids and turns out picture-perfect every time, this one’s for you. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange, a classroom party, or just to enjoy at home with some hot cocoa by the Christmas tree, this pinwheel cookie recipe will become a holiday favorite year after year.

Stack of baked Christmas swirl cookies tied with red ribbon.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies aren’t just pretty — they’re soft, buttery, and full of festive flavor. The swirls of red and green doughmake them stand out on any cookie platter, while their shortbread-like texture keeps them melt-in-your-mouth good.

Plus, this recipe is simple enough for kids to help with! From mixing the dough to rolling the colorful layers, every step adds a little holiday magic.

You can make these Christmas cookies ahead of time, refrigerate the dough log, and slice and bake when ready. It’s the perfect treat for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or last-minute guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these soft and festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (margarine works too)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 tube gel food coloring (red, green, or your choice. I prefer gel to liquid food coloring)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

This simple sugar cookie dough comes together easily in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed. Set aside.

Adding butter to a dry ingredients mmixing bowl

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add cubed unsalted butter and granulated sugar to the bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium speed (or a stand mixer on low speed), blend until the mixture starts to form a soft dough.

little girl taking a small piece of cookie dough from dough hook.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once combined, add egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing until the dough forms a smooth ball.

Add in the dry ingredients and milk alternately. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

(My assistant needed to make sure it was good.)

Pinwheel cookie dough with green food coloring.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into three equal portions. Place one portion back into the mixer and add almond extract, gel food coloring, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix just until the color is evenly incorporated. Repeat this process for your second color (red or green). Leave the third portion uncolored for a beautiful white contrast in your cookies.

Rolling out white cookie dough layers with a rolling pin on parchment paper.

Rolled out red, green, and white cookie dough layers on parchment paper.

Step 5: Roll Out Each Portion

Place each portion of dough between sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper. Roll each section into an 8×11-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick using a rolling pin. Stack the rectangles on a baking sheet, keeping the wax paper between each layer, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This will make the dough firm and easier to roll later.

Layered red, green, and white cookie dough on parchment paper.

Step 6: Layer and Roll

Remove from the fridge, peel off the top layer of wax paper from each portion, and carefully stack the colored layers together. Remove the top sheet of wax paper and trim the edges with a sharp knife so your layers are even.

Red, green, and white cookie dough layers rolled up into a log.

When the dough becomes pliable, roll it tightly into a dough log starting from the long end. Use your fingertips to curl the edge slightly and press gently to remove air pockets.

Red, Green, and white cookie dough rolled up into a log covered in plastic wrap

Step 7: Chill the Dough Log

Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap, or wax paper, and refrigerate again for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This step helps the dough stay firm and keeps your swirls neat when slicing.

Red, green, and white cookie dough in a log cutting into slices.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick discs using a sharp knife. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cookies are set and no longer shiny. Cool the cookies on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Chill the dough thoroughly. This helps maintain those clean, beautiful swirls when slicing.
Use gel food coloring for bright, festive colors without altering dough texture.
Keep layers even by trimming edges before rolling.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Swap extracts like peppermint or orange for fun flavor variations.

These cookies are also a great make-ahead dessert. You can freeze the dough log for up to one month, then slice and bake fresh whenever you need them!

Fun Variations and Decorating Ideas

Add sprinkles! Roll your dough log in red and green sprinkles before slicing for extra holiday sparkle.
Dip in chocolate. Half-dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and decorate with crushed candy canes.
Try new colors. For winter themes, use blue and white; for Valentine’s Day, pink and red!
Use different extracts. Almond, peppermint, or even coconut extracts can create new flavor twists.

Why These Are the Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies check all the boxes — easy, beautiful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re a classic shortbread cookie with a festive swirl that looks stunning on your holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re baking with your kids on Christmas Eve, preparing gifts for neighbors, or hosting a cookie decorating party, these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are always a hit.

They’re simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for any holiday gathering. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, watch your favorite Christmas movies, and enjoy the cozy, sweet smell of the holidays filling your kitchen.

Storing and Sharing

Once your cookies have cooled on a wire rack, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft for several days and are perfect for gifting.

Place a few cookies in a festive cellophane bag, tie with ribbon, and add a cute gift tag for an easy and thoughtful homemade Christmas treat.

Everyone will agree that this is the best Christmas cookie recipe.