I’ve always been drawn to cookies, not just for the sweetness but for the memories they bake into our lives.
Growing up, holiday cookies were a big deal in my house. Now, with gluten-free baking, I’ve found ways to recreate those nostalgic treats—like these Celebration Pinwheel Cookies.
They’re colorful, delicious, and made with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
Tips
- Maximizing Flavor: Let your butter come to room temperature naturally for better creaming. Using fresh extracts also makes a difference.
- For Even Swirls: Chill the dough well at every step to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Variations:
- Use cocoa powder in one dough portion for a chocolate swirl.
- Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a fresh twist.
- Try festive colors like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the cookies on a platter with festive napkins for a party-ready look. Pair with a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or almond milk for a cozy treat.
Enjoy baking these cookies—they’re more than just a dessert; they’re a reason to gather, share, and celebrate!

Gluten-Free Celebration Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These festive pinwheel cookies are naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and perfect for parties or family gatherings. With a soft, buttery texture and vibrant swirls, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a nutty aroma)
- Food coloring (choose two or three complementary colors)
- Gluten-free sprinkles (optional, for added flair)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. - Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. - Divide and Color the Dough
Split the dough into two or three equal parts, depending on how many colors you want. Knead a few drops of food coloring into each portion until you achieve your desired shades. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. - Roll and Assemble the Pinwheels
Roll each colored dough into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on parchment paper. Layer the rectangles on top of each other and gently press to adhere. Use the parchment to roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap the log and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. - Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet about an inch apart. Add sprinkles, if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Feel free to play with colors and flavors to match your celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg