Name: Swirled Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red gel food coloring; Green gel food coloring; ½ cup sanding sugar

These Swirled Christmas Cookies are pure holiday magic, rolled into a log of vibrant festive color and buttery sweetness. With their signature red and green swirl and a crunchy sugar-coated edge, they steal the show on any cookie platter and instantly bring that Christmas spirit to life. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, prepping your dessert table, or making edible gifts, these cookies bring color and joy to every bite.

What makes them even more irresistible is their tender, buttery texture balanced with just the right amount of vanilla. They hold their shape beautifully when sliced and baked, giving you that perfect pinwheel look without complicated techniques. If you love eye-catching treats that taste as good as they look, this is one recipe you’ll come back to every December.

Why You’ll Love These Swirled Christmas Cookies

Swirled Christmas Cookies are the perfect combination of festive fun and simple prep. You can make the dough ahead of time, even freeze it, and slice and bake when you’re ready. They add instant cheer to any cookie box or holiday dessert board. Plus, kids love helping with the swirling and rolling, making this a great holiday baking activity.

They’re also endlessly customizable. Stick to the classic red and green or go pastel for winter wonderland vibes. Add peppermint extract for a minty twist or roll them in colorful sprinkles instead of sugar. They’re as versatile as they are adorable.

What Kind of Food Coloring Works Best?

Gel food coloring is your best friend for these cookies. Unlike liquid food coloring, gels are highly concentrated and don’t change the consistency of the dough. This is key to keeping the dough firm and easy to roll. If you only have liquid food coloring, use it sparingly and be prepared for a slightly softer dough. Stick to bright red and emerald green for that classic Christmas swirl that pops.

Ingredients for the Swirled Christmas Cookies

The ingredients for these festive cookies are pantry staples, but each plays an important role in getting the taste and texture just right. Here’s what you need:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Gel food coloring (red and green)
Sanding sugar

The unsalted butter gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth richness, while the granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness and helps the edges crisp up slightly. One egg binds everything together, and vanilla extract adds a comforting flavor note.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, with baking powder giving just enough lift to keep them soft. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor. The vibrant gel food coloring is key for that stunning swirl, and sanding sugar gives the outside a subtle crunch and sparkle.

How To Make the Swirled Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should look smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Split the dough into two equal parts. Add red gel food coloring to one and green to the other. Knead each just until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Roll Out and Stack

Roll each colored dough between parchment into rectangles of equal size. Stack them, then gently roll into a log, starting from the short end.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Wrap the dough log in plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once chilled, roll the log in sanding sugar. Slice into even cookies.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies on a lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until just set. Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Swirled Christmas Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh from the oven once they’ve cooled slightly, but they also store beautifully. Their vibrant swirl and sugar-crusted edge make them ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting tins, or even as edible place cards on the Christmas table.

They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the dough log and slice as needed for fresh cookies anytime.

This recipe makes about 30 cookies, perfect for sharing with a crowd or keeping all to yourself as a holiday treat stash.

What to Serve With Swirled Christmas Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

The creamy richness of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these buttery cookies. Add peppermint whipped cream for an extra festive twist.

Eggnog Latte

Warm, spiced eggnog lattes bring out the cozy vanilla notes in the cookies and make a dreamy pairing.

Christmas Tea

A spiced holiday tea or a cinnamon orange blend complements the sugary crunch without overpowering.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn the cookies into a frozen sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected holiday dessert.

Fruit Platter

Balance the sweetness with a vibrant fruit platter featuring berries, oranges, and grapes for color contrast.

Mulled Wine

For the grown-ups, serve these cookies alongside a warm glass of mulled wine for a cozy evening treat.

Cream Cheese Dip

A lightly sweetened cream cheese dip can turn your cookie platter into a dippable delight.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip the cookies in warm melted chocolate for a rich and decadent dessert board option.

If you love these Swirled Christmas Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive favorites:

Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a nostalgic campfire spin.
Lemon Truffles for something zesty and sweet.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for warm spice and creamy richness.
Classic French Butter Cookies if you’re craving buttery simplicity.
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars if you want to try a colorful twist in a different season.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic red and green or get creative with your colors? Did you try sprinkles instead of sugar?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Swirled Christmas Cookies are more than just a festive treat—they’re a celebration of the season in every bite. With their buttery texture, vibrant design, and make-ahead convenience, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition in your kitchen. Bake a batch, share the joy, and make your cookie tray the highlight of the season.