Easy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

December always brings a lively mix into my kitchen—quick dinners squeezed between school events, little holiday crafts, and the usual buzz of family routines. One afternoon, while my kids were busy “reorganizing” a box of ornaments, they arranged the red ones into a neat spiral on the table. That simple pattern sparked the idea to turn it into a cinnamon-swirled pinwheel cookie I hadn’t made in ages.

The moment felt right to start. After a long day at the office, working with dough offered exactly the kind of quiet task I needed. Rolling out a soft sugar dough, spreading a cinnamon layer, and shaping everything into a smooth log created a calm, steady pace that fit perfectly with a podcast in the background.

When the first batch cooled, the warm scent drifted through the house, and everyone wandered into the kitchen to take a look. Those little spirals sat on the tray with a festive charm that seemed to draw people in instantly. Within minutes, several cookies were gone, and the whole scene made it clear they belonged on this year’s holiday baking list.

Short Description

Easy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies soft cinnamon-swirled sugar cookies rolled into festive spirals and baked until golden at the edges.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Decoration

• Pearl sugar or colored sugar sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife
• Wire cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and airy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue blending for another minute until the mixture looks smooth and cohesive.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable.

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

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.

Step 6: Roll the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a 10×8-inch rectangle, aiming for ¼-inch thickness to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

Step 7: Spread and Stack
Spread the cinnamon mixture over one of the rectangles in an even layer. Place the second rectangle on top and press gently so the layers stick together without squeezing out the filling.

Step 8: Roll into a Log
Starting from a long side, roll tightly into a clean log. Pinch the seam gently to seal. Wrap the log in plastic and chill for 15 minutes so it becomes firm enough to slice cleanly.

Step 9: Preheat and Slice
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between them.

Step 10: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain slightly soft. Cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful spiral pattern perfect for gifting

Warm cinnamon flavor that suits winter baking

Easy dough that rolls smoothly

Slice-and-bake style ideal for make-ahead prep

Kid-friendly and fun to shape

Customizable with sprinkles, nuts, or colored dough

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Rolling Uneven Dough
Uneven dough leads to misshapen spirals.
Solution: Use a ruler to check the rectangle size and thickness as you roll.

Using Warm Dough
Warm dough softens quickly and tears when rolled.
Solution: Chill dough thoroughly before rolling and again before slicing.

Overfilling the Swirl
Too much filling causes leaks during baking.
Solution: Spread a thin, even layer and avoid clumps.

Not Sealing the Log
Unsealed logs unravel in the oven.
Solution: Pinch the seam firmly and place the seam on the bottom while chilling.

Overbaking
Cookies turn dry if baked too long.
Solution: Pull them out when edges set but centers look slightly soft.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a holiday dessert board with fudge, truffles, and peppermint bark.

Pair with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a latte.

Arrange on a platter with fresh cranberries for a festive pop of color.

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy, wintry effect.

Pack as lunchbox treats or easy office-sharing snacks.

Storage and Reheating Tips

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before rolling.

2. Why did my cookies flatten too much?
Warm dough softens quickly, so chill the log thoroughly before slicing.

3. Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped pecans work well. Mix ¼ cup into the cinnamon swirl.

4. How do I keep the spiral shape neat?
Roll slowly and tightly, and ensure the dough rectangles are even.

5. Can I color the dough for a more festive look?
Yes, add gel food coloring to one dough portion before chilling.

Tips & Tricks

Use parchment when rolling dough to prevent sticking.

Trim uneven edges before rolling for cleaner spirals.

Slice with a serrated knife for the neatest rounds.

Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.

Chill the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Pinwheel: Use ¼ cup cocoa powder instead of flour and spread melted chocolate.

Matcha Swirl: Add 1 tbsp matcha to one dough layer; spread cinnamon only on plain dough.

Red & Green Spirals: Color dough red and green; skip cinnamon swirl, stack and roll.

Cranberry Sugar: Replace cinnamon filling with ½ cup chopped dried cranberries + ⅓ cup sugar.

Maple Pecan: Use maple sugar and add ¼ cup chopped pecans to filling.

Final Thoughts

Rolling these pinwheel cookies brought a gentle, crafty joy to a busy December afternoon. Shaping the dough into spirals and watching them rise in the oven created a soft, festive rhythm that filled the kitchen with warmth.

Sharing the cookies made the moment even brighter. Their cheerful swirls stood out on the tray, inviting everyone to reach for one. Paired with a warm drink, they turn a simple evening into a cozy holiday treat, perfect for sharing or enjoying quietly at home.