Easter Pinwheel Cookies are a festive and colorful treat perfect for springtime celebrations. These buttery, soft sugar cookies feature vibrant pastel swirls, making them a delightful addition to Easter gatherings, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a touch of whimsy. With their bright layers and sprinkle-coated edges, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually stunning – The pastel swirls and sprinkles create an eye-catching presentation.
- Soft and buttery texture – A classic sugar cookie base that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable colors – Use any combination of food coloring to suit your theme.
- Perfect for Easter and holidays – A great addition to dessert tables and gift boxes.
- Easy to make ahead – The dough can be prepared in advance and sliced as needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Food coloring (pink, yellow, blue)
- Sprinkles
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions and tint each portion with pink, yellow, and blue food coloring. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Roll out each colored dough portion into an even rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Layer the colored dough sheets on top of each other, gently pressing them together.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the chilled dough log and roll the edges in sprinkles for extra decoration.
- Slice the log into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Different colors – Use any pastel or vibrant colors to match your event theme.
- Flavored dough – Add almond extract, lemon zest, or a hint of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Chocolate version – Mix cocoa powder into one portion of the dough for a chocolate swirl effect.
- Gluten-free option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Ombre effect – Gradually deepen the color intensity in each layer for a gradient look.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
- Reheating: These cookies do not require reheating, but if you want to refresh them, warm them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
How do I get clean, sharp swirls in the cookies?
Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing to maintain the shape of the swirls. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors without altering the dough consistency.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking. Also, avoid over-mixing the butter and sugar, which can add too much air to the dough.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze it for longer storage.
How do I prevent my cookies from being too dry?
Measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking. The cookies should be set but not browned.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of regular butter?
Yes, but if using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough evenly?
Use parchment paper to roll out the dough, and a rolling pin with adjustable thickness rings for even layers.
Can I add sprinkles inside the dough instead of just on the edges?
Yes, fold in colorful sprinkles when mixing the dough for a funfetti-style cookie.
How do I make sure the dough layers stick together?
Gently press each layer down before rolling, and if needed, use a rolling pin to lightly flatten them together.
Can I bake these cookies at a lower temperature?
It’s best to bake them at 350°F for even cooking, but if your oven runs hot, you can try 325°F and bake for a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Easter Pinwheel Cookies are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their vibrant pastel swirls and sprinkle-coated edges, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to customize and perfect for make-ahead baking, these cookies are a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re baking them for Easter or just for fun, they bring a cheerful and colorful touch to any occasion.