Name: aster Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-487272H2M32S
Total time: 45 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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Bursting with whimsical swirls and joyful colors, Easter Pinwheel Cookies are the kind of treat that immediately gets smiles and sparks conversation. Their tender, buttery texture and the extra pop from pastel sprinkles make them both a visual delight and a nostalgic sugar cookie dream. Whether you’re tucking them into a festive basket, bringing them to a spring brunch, or just enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies make every moment feel a little more like a celebration.

aster Pinwheel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easter Pinwheel Cookies lies in the balance of simple pantry staples with a splash of bright color. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, from soft crumb to vibrant hue, ensuring gorgeous swirls and irresistible flavor.

All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for the cookies, keeping them sturdy yet tender.
Baking powder: Gives just a hint of lift, so the pinwheels hold their shape without becoming too puffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): The backbone of rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s soft for smooth creaming.
Sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps with that classic sugar cookie crispness.
Egg: Binds the dough together for easy rolling and beautiful swirl layers.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and coziness to the overall flavor profile.
Pink, yellow, and purple gel food coloring: Gel is essential for vibrant color without watering down your dough.
Easter-themed sprinkles: The crowning touch that makes every cookie look like it belongs in a springtime parade and gives bonus crunch.

How to Make Easter Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light, creamy, and just a bit fluffy. This is the foundation for perfectly textured cookies—take your time and let the butter and sugar really combine. Once they look pale and airy, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended. You’re aiming for a batter that feels rich but not greasy, with no streaks of egg.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until everything comes together into a soft dough. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.

Step 3: Divide and Tint the Dough

Now for the fun part! Divide your dough evenly into three bowls. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring—pink, yellow, and purple. Start with a little color and mix well, adding more as needed until each dough is boldly pastel. Using gel food coloring makes it easy to achieve those bright, Easter-egg hues without making the dough sticky.

Step 4: Roll and Layer

Roll each colored dough out into a rectangle of roughly equal size, about 1/4-inch thick. Lay one rectangle on a large piece of parchment paper, then stack the others carefully on top, gently pressing to adhere. Starting from the long side, use the parchment to help you roll the stacked doughs into a tight log. It’s okay if the ends are a little uneven; that’s part of the cookie’s handmade charm.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough log securely in parchment or plastic wrap, and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling ensures the pinwheel swirls slice cleanly and the cookies don’t spread too much while baking. If you’re short on time, a quick 20-minute chill in the freezer also works!

Step 6: Slice and Add Sprinkles

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Remove the dough log from the fridge and, using a sharp knife, slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Roll the edges of each cookie in Easter-themed sprinkles for that signature festive crunch. Arrange them on the baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous, pastel-swirled Easter Pinwheel Cookies—crisp at the edges, soft at the center, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Easter Pinwheel Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkles are already part of the fun, but you can scatter a few extra over the cookies just before serving, or even dust with a little shimmer powder for a magical effect. If you love a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of white chocolate over the top gives another layer of decadence without taking away from the playful swirls.

Side Dishes

Pairing Easter Pinwheel Cookies with a pot of herbal tea or a creamy mug of hot cocoa embraces their comforting side. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fruit salad, pastel-colored candies, or delicate finger sandwiches to keep the springtime theme alive and delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide the cookies into cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for the prettiest party favors, or arrange them in a basket lined with faux grass for a show-stopping edible centerpiece. Stack and gift-wrap a stack of cookies for a sweet hostess gift, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a cheerful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easter Pinwheel Cookies fresh and tender, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent the sprinkles from sticking and colors from smudging.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love that “just-baked” feel, refresh cookies by popping them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3 minutes. They’ll taste like you made them that very day, with crisp edges and soft centers.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and tint the dough, roll it into a log, and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days before slicing and baking. This makes Easter Pinwheel Cookies perfect for prepping ahead for busy holidays.

Do I have to use gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it gives vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture, but in a pinch, a high-quality liquid food coloring can work—just use it sparingly to avoid making the dough too wet.

Can I use different colors or flavors?

Absolutely! Try pastel blue or green for another Easter twist, or add a drop of citrus or almond extract to one of the dough portions for subtle flavor contrast. Easter Pinwheel Cookies are endlessly customizable!

What’s the best way to avoid the colors blending together?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled before slicing, and use a sharp, straight-edged knife. Clean the knife between slices to keep the pinwheel pattern crisp and vibrant every time.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

If you prefer softer Easter Pinwheel Cookies, take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are set and let them cool on the baking tray. Storing them with a slice of bread in the container can also help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you adore colorful treats and want a recipe that adds a joyful touch to your spring table, you must treat yourself to a batch of Easter Pinwheel Cookies. They’re not just beautiful—they’re a celebration of everything bright, sweet, and homemade. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two to join, and get swirling!