Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe. If you’ve ever scrolled through holiday photos and thought, those fancy pinwheel cookies look impossible, I’ve got you. This is my go-to, the Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love, and it’s surprisingly simple once you know a few tricks. The dough is buttery and easy to work with, the colors are bright, and the swirl always makes people smile. These cookies taste like vanilla sugar cookies with a soft center and light crunch at the edges. Think holiday bakery vibes without the stress. Ready to bake a batch that looks gorgeous and tastes even better?

Swirled Christmas Cookie Ingredients & Substitutions

What you’ll need

Let’s keep this simple. You can use your favorite sugar cookie dough, but here’s my tried-and-true base that never fails. It’s the backbone of the Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love, and it holds the colors and shape beautifully.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Gel food coloring in red and green for classic Christmas swirls
• Optional: 2 to 3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles for the edges

Easy substitutions

Butter gives flavor and structure, but you have options. Swap half the butter with cream cheese for a softer, tangier cookie. Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. If you’re baking for dairy-free friends, use a high-quality dairy-free butter stick and check out these dairy free chocolate chip cookies for more inspiration. Gel color works best because it keeps the dough firm and vibrant. If you only have liquid color, use a light hand to avoid sticky dough.

To make the dough, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, mix in egg and vanilla, then add dry ingredients just until combined. Divide dough into three equal parts. Tint one red, one green, and leave one plain. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes so it’s easier to roll.

Pro tip: If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough twice: once after mixing and again after assembling the swirl. Cold dough means clean lines and sharp pinwheel edges.

Tips for Making the Best Swirled Christmas Cookies

Here’s the part that makes the Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love turn out like a bakery display every time.

Roll evenly: Roll each dough color into a rectangle about the same size, roughly 9 by 12 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Stack the layers and gently press with a rolling pin so they cling together.

Use parchment: Assemble and roll the log on parchment, not the counter. It helps you roll tightly and move the dough without tearing.

Chill the log: Wrap the dough log tightly and chill at least 1 hour. No shortcuts here. Cold dough slices clean. If you have the time, chill for 2 hours.

Cut with a sharp knife: Use a thin, sharp knife and rotate the log a quarter turn after every couple of slices to keep it round. If your slices look squished, chill again for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle the edges: Brush the outside of the chilled log with a tiny bit of water and roll in sprinkles. This adds a festive border that bakes up crisp and cute.

Bake smart: Bake at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes. You want set edges and a soft center. The cookies should not brown on top. They’ll continue to set on the tray for a couple minutes after you pull them out.

Want another festive design to pair with these? Try these bright and simple candy cane cookies for a fun mix on your dessert table.

These cookies were the first holiday bake that made me feel confident hosting. I brought a big tin to a neighborhood party and people asked which bakery they came from. That’s how you know they’re keepers.

Variations of Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Flavor twists to try

Once you master the swirl, you can have a lot of fun. The Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love plays well with add-ins and subtle flavor swaps. Here are some favorites:

Peppermint twist: Replace half the vanilla with peppermint extract and crush a few candy canes to mix into the red dough. Keep it subtle so it’s not overpowering.

Chocolate mint swirl: Make one dough chocolate by replacing 3 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder. The green layer pops against the dark chocolate.

Citrus sparkle: Add orange zest to the plain dough and lemon zest to the green dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that still feels festive.

Spice cookie swirl: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into one portion of dough for a cozy flavor. This is great with a cup of coffee or hot cider.

If you’re building a cookie box, include something buttery and fruity too, like these lovely apricot rosemary thumbprint cookies. And for a cute tree-themed tray, these classic Christmas tree cookies always get compliments.

Can I Make These Swirled Christmas Cookies In Advance?

Absolutely, and I recommend it. This dough loves the fridge and freezer, which makes it perfect for busy December schedules.

Make-ahead dough: After rolling into a log, wrap tightly and chill up to 48 hours before slicing and baking. If it’s too firm to cut, let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes.

Freeze the log: Wrap in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice straight from frozen and add 1 to 2 minutes to the bake time.

Freeze baked cookies: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Layer with parchment so they don’t stick together.

Storage: Baked cookies keep for 5 days in an airtight tin at room temp. Add a small piece of bread to the container to keep them soft.

Gifting tip: Let cookies cool fully before packing, then add a little parchment between layers for a neat, professional look.

Must-Make Christmas Cookies

Every holiday cookie plate needs a little variety. If you’re planning a baking day, mix and match a few easy showstoppers with your swirl cookies. Here are some favorites my readers love:

Fast and festive: If you’re short on time, these sparkly 5 minute Christmas bauble cookies come together super fast and look like they took all afternoon.

Tree-themed tray: Stack your platter with pinwheels and add a batch of classic Christmas tree cookies for height and color.

Cozy and chewy: Include a dairy-free option so everyone can indulge, like these soft and lovely dairy free chocolate chip cookies.

Elegant addition: For a grown-up bite, I’m obsessed with these fragrant apricot rosemary thumbprint cookies. They pair beautifully with tea or mulled wine.

Whimsical and bright: Kids go wild for colorful shapes, so slide in some candy cane cookies too. The mix of shapes makes your platter feel lively.

Common Questions

How do I keep the layers from sliding when I roll the log?

Lightly press the stacked layers together with a rolling pin, then roll using parchment. If they still slide, chill the stacked slab for 10 minutes before rolling into a log.

My dough is cracking. What should I do?

Cracking means the dough is a bit dry or too cold. Let it warm up a couple minutes and knead it gently. If needed, rub a pea-sized amount of soft butter over the crack to smooth it.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Chill the dough a little longer so it’s easier to slice cleanly.

How do I get the swirl super tight?

Start with a straight edge when you begin rolling, roll slowly, and use the parchment to guide the log. If gaps form, gently nudge the dough with your fingertips to close them.

How thick should I slice?

About 1/4 inch per slice works best. Thinner slices bake crisp, thicker slices bake soft. Keep sizes consistent so they bake evenly.

A sweet send off for your holiday baking

These cookies are festive, easy to share, and such a satisfying weekend bake. With a little chilling time and a sharp knife, the Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe You’ll Love can be your signature treat this season. Remember the simple keys: even rolling, tight swirl, and a nice chill. If you want even more visual guidance and a slightly different spin, you’ll love this step-by-step from Chelsweets: Swirled Christmas Cookies: Show-stopping, Delicious Recipe. Now heat that oven, turn on the holiday playlist, and bake something beautiful.

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