Why You’ll Love Festive Valentine’s Day Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

These cookies offer a perfect blend of fun and flavor. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, and the swirl technique creates a bakery-style cookie without the need for advanced decorating skills. Whether you’re making them for your sweetheart, your kids, or just to treat yourself, these cookies bring a festive charm to any Valentine’s celebration. Plus, the sprinkles on the outside add both crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Powdered sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• Red or pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
• Sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and continue mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Knead red or pink food coloring into one half of the dough until evenly colored. Leave the other half plain.
Roll each half of dough between two sheets of parchment paper until about 1/4 inch thick. Chill both sheets in the refrigerator until firm.
Once chilled, peel off the top layer of parchment from each dough. Place the colored dough on top of the plain dough and gently press them together.
Starting at the shorter edge, roll the stacked dough into a tight log.
Pour your sprinkles into a shallow dish and roll the dough log in the sprinkles until the outside is fully coated.
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until very firm.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until edges are just set.
Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 36 cookies
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Bake time: 15–17 minutes per batch
• Total time: Approximately 3 hours including chilling

Variations

• Color themes: Swap pink for red, purple, or even rainbow to suit other holidays.
• Flavor boost: Try adding lemon or peppermint extract instead of almond.
• Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
• Sprinkle options: Use heart-shaped sprinkles for added Valentine’s flair or go with color-coordinated sugar crystals.

Storage/Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The unbaked dough log can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time as needed.

FAQs

How do I keep the swirls from smearing when I slice the dough?

Make sure the dough log is well chilled before slicing. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough log can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Is almond extract necessary?

No, it’s optional. Almond extract adds a slight nutty flavor, but you can skip it or replace it with more vanilla.

What’s the best way to apply sprinkles evenly?

Roll the dough log in sprinkles after forming it, while it’s still slightly soft. Press gently to help them stick before chilling.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can work, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly from using real butter.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be a bit different depending on the brand.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can use wax paper for rolling out the dough or plastic wrap, but parchment is recommended for baking to prevent sticking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They stay fresh for about 5–7 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them.

Can I add decorations after baking?

Yes, you can drizzle with melted chocolate, add icing, or press candy hearts into them while still slightly warm.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Their colorful swirl and festive sprinkles make them ideal for Valentine’s Day gifts. Package them in clear bags or cookie tins for a charming presentation.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect combination of fun, festive, and flavorful. Their pretty swirls and sprinkle-covered edges make them a standout treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or a classroom of kids, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness.