Name: aster Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Pink, yellow, and purple gel food coloring; Easter-themed sprinkles

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Say hello to the cheeriest treat of the season: Easter Pinwheel Cookies! These charming cookies swirl together soft pastel colors and a sparkling rim of crunchy sprinkles, capturing the playful spirit of spring in every bite. Whether you’re filling baskets, treating guests at a brunch, or simply adding a pop of color to your table, Easter Pinwheel Cookies will steal the show with their vibrant look and buttery, tender texture. Trust me, one bite and you’ll want to make them an annual tradition!

aster Pinwheel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to whip up these unforgettable Easter Pinwheel Cookies; each element is a hardworking star that brings color, flavor, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience. Here’s what to gather before you get swirling:

All-purpose flour: Forms the soft, sturdy base for your cookies, making sure each swirl stays picture-perfect.
Baking powder: Gives your cookies just the right lift for a light, cakey bite.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures that extra tender, rich crumb all good sugar cookies have.
Sugar: Adds that sweet, crisp edge and balances the buttery richness.
Egg: Binds everything together for a dough that’s easy to work with and perfectly chewy when baked.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out each bite with that warm, classic sugar cookie taste.
Pink, yellow, and purple gel food coloring: Pastel gels make your pinwheels bright and happy without watering down the dough.
Easter-themed sprinkles: A crunchy, colorful finishing touch that brings the fun (and that extra festive sparkle!) to every slice.

How to Make Easter Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating together the softened butter and sugar until it’s extra light and fluffy. This not only makes the dough smooth and easy to handle but also gives your Easter Pinwheel Cookies their signature delicate texture. This is a step where patience pays off, so give it a good 2-3 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the bowl as you go.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Stir until everything is beautifully blended—this will help infuse your cookies with a classic, inviting flavor and help the dough come together just right.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed only until the dough comes together and you don’t see dry streaks. Overmixing leads to tough cookies, so stop as soon as it’s combined!

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Separate your dough into three equal portions—one for each color. Add a small drop of pink, yellow, and purple gel food coloring to each portion, and knead gently until evenly tinted. The gel keeps everything vibrant without messing with the dough’s consistency, so go bright and bold for classic Easter Pinwheel Cookies flair.

Step 5: Roll Out and Layer

Roll out each colored dough portion into a rectangle, aiming for similar sizes—about 1/4 inch thick works well. Gently stack the colored rectangles on top of one another. Use a rolling pin to lightly press the layers together, keeping the edges neat as you go.

Step 6: Shape into a Log and Chill

Starting from a long edge, roll up the layered dough snugly (like a jelly roll) to form a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chill time ensures your cookies hold their perfect swirls when sliced and baked.

Step 7: Slice, Coat, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap your dough log and slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Gently roll the edges of each cookie in Easter-themed sprinkles for that signature festive crunch. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until just set and ever-so-slightly golden on the edges. Allow them to cool before serving—you’ll love watching those dazzling swirls come to life!

How to Serve Easter Pinwheel Cookies

Garnishes

Sometimes a little extra sparkle is all you need! For maximum wow factor, roll the edges of your Easter Pinwheel Cookies in a rainbow of sprinkles right after slicing and before baking. You can also lightly dust them with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate for a touch of decadence that’s perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet treats with a refreshing fruit salad, a mug of pastel-hued hot chocolate, or even an assortment of spring candies for the ultimate Easter dessert spread. They also play beautifully alongside a classic lemon tart or creamy cheesecake bars, adding both color and crunch to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Easter Pinwheel Cookies in clear jars tied with pastel ribbons for adorable edible gifts, or arrange them on a cake stand with edible flowers for a centerpiece that’ll wow your guests. For kids’ parties, let little hands help package cookies in cellophane bags as take-home treats—these swirls turn any moment into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck your Easter Pinwheel Cookies into an airtight tin or container. They’ll keep fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, retaining both their vibrant colors and delightful softness. Layer parchment between batches to help prevent sticking.

Freezing

Good news: you can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough log! For cookies, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper and freeze for up to a month. For make-ahead convenience, freeze the wrapped dough log, then thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking as usual.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a little softness from storage, you can revive them by placing a slice of bread in the storage container overnight, or give them a 10-second burst in the microwave for that just-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best for vibrant hues without changing your dough’s texture, but if you only have liquid food coloring on hand, start with a few drops and add more as needed. Just keep in mind that too much liquid can make the dough sticky, so adjust your flour if needed.

How do I keep the dough from sticking when rolling it?

Dust your work surface and rolling pin with a little flour, and consider rolling between two sheets of parchment paper for easier handling and neat, stackable rectangles.

Can I make Easter Pinwheel Cookies in other holiday colors?

Absolutely! This base dough is delicious all year—try red, white, and blue for July 4th, or green and red for Christmas. Let your creativity guide your color palette and sprinkle choices!

What’s the key to perfect pinwheel swirls?

Chill your dough log thoroughly before slicing, and use a sharp knife. This will keep your swirl edges crisp and prevent the dough from smushing or losing its shape.

Can I use salted butter if that’s all I have?

Yes! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half, and your Easter Pinwheel Cookies will still bake up deliciously tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the whimsy and wonder these Easter Pinwheel Cookies bring to your kitchen table. Whether you share them with friends, hide them in Easter baskets, or treat yourself to a well-deserved sweet, you’ll find the magic in both making and munching these springy, swirled delights. Give them a try and add a pop of color—and joy—to your season!