Dessert

Magical Spiral Cookies Recipe

ByVictor Layne January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

Magical Spiral Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that combines vibrant purple, black, and white doughs into a stunning swirl. These buttery, flavorful cookies are perfect for impressing guests or brightening up any cookie platter.

The image shows round cookies styled like geodes with three main layers of color: pale yellow on the outer edge, then bands of deep purple and dark blue moving inward. Each cookie features a center filled with shiny purple sugar crystals that look like rough gems. The cookie edges are decorated with clusters of small dark sprinkles on one side. The cookies sit on a white plate with a gold rim, all placed over a dark purple cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
3½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
Purple gel food coloring
Black gel food coloring
Purple sprinkles
½ cup black or chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and milk, and continue mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to form a dough.
Step 3: Divide the dough into portions. Tint one half purple using purple gel food coloring. Divide the other half into separate black and white portions, tinting one portion black with gel food coloring, and leaving the other plain.
Step 4: Roll the black dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle.
Step 5: Roll the white dough to the same 6 by 12-inch size and place it on top of the black dough. Roll lightly to help them adhere together.
Step 6: Roll the purple dough to the same size, sprinkle purple sprinkles over it, then roll it into a log shape.
Step 7: Assemble and bake your spiral cookies according to your preferred method or see the full step-by-step guidance and photos at The Boat Shed Kitchen.

Tips & Variations

For extra sparkle, try using colored sugar crystals in place of or alongside the sprinkles.
Make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and make slicing easier.
Use gel food coloring to keep the dough from becoming too wet and sticky.
Experiment with different flavor extracts to customize the cookies beyond vanilla and almond.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their texture.

How to Serve

The image shows round cookies styled like geodes on a white plate with gold trim, placed on a white marbled texture. Each cookie has multiple layers forming concentric rings with colors including cream, purple, and dark blue. The center of each cookie has a rough, crystal-like texture in shiny purple and blue, resembling crystals. The edges of some cookies are decorated with small, dark sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred as it adds less liquid to the dough, helping to maintain the right consistency. If using liquid, add sparingly to avoid making the dough too sticky.

How do I prevent the colors from bleeding during baking?

Chilling the dough before assembling and baking helps keep the colors distinct. Also, avoid over-handling the dough once the layers are combined to maintain clear spiral patterns.