Cheerful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Every December, my kitchen turns into a little holiday workshop filled with laughter, spice, and a touch of chaos. I remember one chilly morning when the kids came running in, each with a different idea for the perfect Christmas cookie.

One wanted peppermint, another wanted chocolate, and I just wanted something that looked festive without taking all day. That’s Cheerful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies came to be a happy compromise that brought everyone together.

The dough rolls out smooth and buttery, while the cinnamon swirl inside fills the room with a cozy, nostalgic scent. As I sliced through the log of dough, each cookie revealed a delicate spiral of golden sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar added just the right touch of snowflake charm.

They’re beautiful enough for a holiday platter, simple enough for a weekday treat, and versatile enough to make ahead for busy baking days. These cookies have become a seasonal favorite for sharing, gifting, and sneaking one too many fresh from the oven.

Short Description

Soft, buttery cookies rolled with a rich cinnamon brown sugar swirl, baked to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar these Christmas Pinwheel.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Decoration

• ¼ cup pearl sugar or colored sugar sprinkles
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add this to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until firm but still pliable.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick, sticky paste.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 10×8-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the edges even for a neater spiral.

Step 7: Spread and Stack
Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over one rectangle of dough. Place the second rectangle on top and press gently to adhere without squeezing out the filling.

Step 8: Form the Pinwheel Log
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam by pinching gently. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.

Step 9: Preheat and Slice
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delightfully festive for the holidays or gift boxes

Easy to follow recipe with simple ingredients

Soft, buttery texture with a cozy cinnamon aroma

Beautiful spiral design perfect for party platters

Make ahead friendly ideal for busy baking weeks

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Rolling dough too thin or uneven.
Solution: Keep dough about ¼ inch thick and use a ruler if needed for even baking.

Mistake 2: Overfilling with cinnamon swirl.
Solution: Spread a thin, even layer—too much filling makes rolling difficult and causes leakage.

Mistake 3: Slicing before the dough is firm enough.
Solution: Chill the rolled log at least 15 minutes before cutting to get clean pinwheel shapes.

Mistake 4: Overbaking the cookies.
Solution: Remove them when the edges are golden and the centers are soft they’ll firm up as they cool.

Mistake 5: Using melted butter that’s too hot in the swirl.
Solution: Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing, so it doesn’t melt the sugar or affect dough texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a mug of hot cocoa or a spiced latte

Arrange on a dessert platter with peppermint bark and fudge squares

Wrap in decorative boxes for edible Christmas gifts

Pair with vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast

Serve at brunch alongside coffee or tea

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Unbaked Dough: Freeze the cookie log and slice when ready to bake.

Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.

2. What if my dough cracks while rolling?
Simply press it back together with your fingers; small cracks won’t affect the final result.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well. Add 1 tablespoon extra butter for moisture if needed.

4. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight tin with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

5. Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
Of course! You can decorate with icing drizzle, pearl sugar, or colored sprinkles instead.

Tips & Tricks

Chill your dough after every major step to make handling easier.

Use unbleached parchment paper for even browning.

Slice the cookies with a serrated knife for cleaner spirals.

Swap cinnamon for cardamom or nutmeg for a flavor twist.

Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a red and white festive look.

Recipe Variations

Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Replace cinnamon with 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty twist.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pinwheels
Spread ½ cup Nutella between dough layers instead of cinnamon filling. Roll, chill, slice, and bake as directed.

Orange Spice Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough and mix ½ teaspoon ground cloves into the swirl for a fragrant citrus-spice combination.

Maple Pecan Version
Use maple syrup in place of vanilla extract and sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the cinnamon layer before rolling.

Final Thoughts

These Cheerful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are more than just baked treats they’re the little edible moments that make a kitchen feel alive with warmth. Each swirl tells a story of shared laughter, cozy afternoons, and the sweet rhythm of holiday preparation. The aroma of butter and cinnamon lingers long after the oven cools, inviting everyone to gather for “just one more.”

They’re elegant enough to impress at parties yet humble enough to bring a smile to a child’s face. Layered in buttery dough and spiced sweetness. So, gather your rolling pin, put on some carols, and let your kitchen glow with the spirit of these golden, swirled delights.