Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe kitchen was buzzing with excitement as the holiday season approached, and I realized it was time to bake my favorite festive cookies: Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. These delightful treats are a creative twist on traditional holiday fare, featuring swirls of rich chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint and a pop of color thanks to vibrant nonpareil sprinkles. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but their eye-catching design makes them a guaranteed hit on any cookie tray. Best of all, the cream cheese in the dough lends a smooth, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Ready to spread some holiday cheer with these festive delights? Let’s get baking! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Irresistible Visual Appeal: The bright swirls of chocolate and colorful dough not only look stunning but will also entice everyone at your holiday gatherings. Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; this recipe is straightforward and requires no fancy techniques. Versatile Enjoyment: Customize with different colors and flavors to fit your holiday theme. Swap in fun extracts for a unique twist! Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes these cookies delectably soft, melting in your mouth with every bite—perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa. Perfect for Sharing: These festive treats are a wonderful addition to cookie trays, ideal for parties, or as gifts. For more delicious cookie ideas, try my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies or Fudgy Chocolate Brownies. Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients For the Dough Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option. Cream Cheese – Provides a smooth texture with a slight tang; low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter treat. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough generously; brown sugar will add moisture and a deeper flavor. Egg – Binds the cookies together; for a vegan option, replace with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste. Peppermint Extract – Infuses festive flavor; feel free to substitute with almond extract for a different touch. All-Purpose Flour – Offers necessary structure; use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Baking Powder – Provides essential leavening to help cookies rise; baking soda can be an alternative if needed. Salt – Balances sweetness and accentuates flavors throughout the dough. Baking Soda – An additional leavening agent; omit if using baking powder. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Creates the rich chocolate layer; try Dutch-processed cocoa for a more intense flavor. For the Decoration Nonpareil Sprinkles – Adds a festive look and crunch; feel free to switch with festive sugar sprinkles for variety. These Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only a visual treat, but they also embody the essence of holiday baking—whipping up joyous memories in every bite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful delights! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Step 1: Prepare Dough In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 8 oz. of cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of granulated sugar, followed by 1 egg, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. Sift in 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of baking soda to create a cohesive dough. Step 2: Divide and Color Dough Once the dough is well combined, divide it into two equal portions. In one half, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is chocolatey. For the second half, if desired, add food coloring to create vibrant hues—red and green work beautifully. Adjust with extra flour if the dough becomes sticky and hard to manage. Step 3: Roll Dough Lay out a piece of parchment paper and roll the chocolate dough into a 9-inch square, then repeat with the colored dough. Stack the chocolate square directly on top of the colored one. With a gentle hand, use the parchment to lift and begin rolling the dough together jelly-roll style, ensuring it’s tight yet not overly compressed. Step 4: Shape Once rolled, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, refrigerating it for at least 2 hours or until firm. This chilling stage is crucial for helping your Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies maintain their shape during baking, so don’t skip it! Step 5: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow for spreading. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. Step 6: Cool Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The beautiful patterns will set as they cool, making your Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies a stunning addition to any holiday spread! Storage Tips for Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their softness and flavor. Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them chilled in the fridge, which helps extend freshness for up to 10 days. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before enjoying. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie rolls for up to 2 months. Baked cookies can be frozen for 2-3 weeks; just place them in a resealable freezer bag to maintain their delightful texture. Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Once you’ve made the dough, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This chilling not only helps the cookies maintain their shape but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. When ready to bake, slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies, bake them as instructed, and enjoy the delightful results. With these make-ahead options, you can easily enjoy scrumptious cookies without the stress of last-minute baking! Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Variations Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies with a few simple swaps and twists! Color Variations: Add vibrant colored food dyes to the colored dough for festive red and green swirls that catch the eye. Flavor Boost: For a twist, mix in a tablespoon of peppermint candy cane pieces for added crunch and holiday cheer. White Chocolate Delight: Swap cocoa powder for white chocolate chips or melted white chocolate for a creamy alternative that’s equally festive. Nutty Infusion: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in equal parts to replace all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry. Dairy-Free: Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version that still packs flavor. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm spice that enhances the festive notes of peppermint. Chocolate Lovers: For an indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness. Perfect to impress your fellow chocolate enthusiasts! Remember to share the joy of baking with loved ones, and for more delightful recipes, don’t miss my Mango Cookies Delightful or Dark Chocolate Raspberry. Enjoy your holiday baking adventures! Tips for the Best Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Chill the Dough Well: Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours; this keeps your cookies from spreading too much while baking. Perfect Rolling Technique: Use parchment paper to help roll the dough tightly; this prevents cracks and maintains the pinwheel shape. Uniform Thickness: Aim for 1/4-inch thickness when slicing; this promotes even baking and avoids doughy centers. Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different extracts or colored doughs. Almond or hazelnut can elevate the peppermint’s flavor beautifully! Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly browned at the edges while remaining soft in the center. These tips will ensure your Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies turn out festive and delicious every time! What to Serve with Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for joyful gatherings. Hot Chocolate: Rich and sweet, a cozy cup enhances the festive flavors of the cookies. Peppermint Milkshake: This creamy treat mirrors the minty essence in the pinwheels, making it a fun pairing for all ages. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the chocolatey richness of the cookies. Fruit Salad: The refreshing burst of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness and adds a vibrant, colorful touch to your dessert table. Gingerbread Cookies: Channel a classic holiday theme; their spiced flavor complements the sweet, creamy notes of the pinwheels wonderfully. Coffee & Cream: A warm cup of coffee with a splash of cream can deepen the cookie experience, enhancing its luxurious textures. Milk: The traditional pairing can’t be beaten—chilled milk’s simplicity perfectly accompanies the rich flavors of the pinwheel cookies. Let your holiday celebrations be filled with tasty accompaniments, brightening up the table next to these festive Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of butter should I use for the dough? Unsalted butter is ideal as it adds richness and allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, margarine or plant-based butter can be a good substitute. How should I store my Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging! Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies? Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie rolls for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. If you’ve already baked the cookies, they can be frozen in a resealable freezer bag for 2-3 weeks. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven. What if my dough is too soft to roll? If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to roll out without sticking, ensuring those perfect pinwheel shapes! Is there a vegan option for these cookies? Yes! You can make your Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies vegan by replacing the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and using a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, ensure that your cream cheese is dairy-free. Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint? The more the merrier! Feel free to swap the peppermint extract for almond or hazelnut for a delightful twist. This change can offer an entirely new flavor profile while still keeping the festive spirit intact. Delicious Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for Festive Fun These Chocolate Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, featuring chocolate swirls and refreshing peppermint for festive fun. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Unsalted Butter softened8 oz Cream Cheese softened1 cup Granulated Sugar1 large Egg1 tsp Vanilla Extract pure preferred1/2 tsp Peppermint Extract or almond extract2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour2 tsp Baking Powder1/2 tsp Salt1/4 tsp Baking Soda1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for chocolate layerFor the Decoration1/2 cup Nonpareil Sprinkles for festive decoration Equipment Mixing bowlParchment paperBaking sheetWire Rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 8 oz. of cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of granulated sugar, followed by 1 egg, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract.Sift in 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of baking soda to create a cohesive dough.Divide the dough into two equal portions. In one half, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing until fully incorporated. In the other half, add food coloring as desired.Roll the chocolate dough into a 9-inch square on parchment paper, then repeat with the colored dough. Stack the chocolate square on top of the colored one and roll them together jelly-roll style.Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until firm.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but centers remain soft. Let them cool on a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make lovely gifts as well. Customize with different colors and flavors to fit your festive theme. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
