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Pinwheel Cookies

Pinwheel Cookies

Festive slice-and-bake Pinwheel Cookies with chocolate and vanilla swirls, rolled in colorful sprinkles. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges and holiday gift boxes!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 48 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 78

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Coloring
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder or red gel food coloring
  • ¼ cup nonpareil sprinkles optional

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, beat until combined.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until soft dough forms. Divide dough in half.
  4. Leave one half plain (or add food coloring). To the other half, add cocoa powder and knead by hand until evenly chocolate-colored. If too dry, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
  5. Shape each dough half into flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. On lightly floured surface or between parchment sheets, roll out each dough disc into 10x12-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
  7. Place one rectangle on top of the other, lining up edges. Starting from longer side, tightly roll stacked dough into log.
  8. If using sprinkles, roll log through sprinkles on parchment paper, pressing gently so they stick. Wrap log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  10. Using sharp knife, slice chilled log into ¼-inch rounds. Place slices on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  11. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden. Centers will still look soft. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Dough log can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months. Slice and bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Tip: Chill dough thoroughly before slicing for cleanest cuts and most defined swirls.