Buttery sugar cookie dough swirled with crushed peppermint candies and a festive red swirl—these Candy Cane Pinwheels are holiday happiness in a bite.

So, you know how every family has that one person who accidentally becomes “the one who brings the cookies”? That became me. Totally unplanned. It all started a few Christmases ago when I had this wild idea that I could pull off a batch of Candy Cane Pinwheels for a cookie swap. Pinterest said they were “easy.” (Famous last words, right?)

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

I rolled into my mom’s house with a Tupperware full of these swirly red-and-white beauties, still half-expecting them to be a flop. Spoiler: they were a hit. People were hovering by the cookie table, sneaking extras, and asking—like, seriously asking—did you buy these? Nope. Made them in my tiny kitchen, with peppermint dust all over my counters, and Christmas music playing way too loud. And now? Now I have to bring them. Every year. Like, it’s a thing.

Honestly though, not mad about it.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Pinwheels Recipe?

Look, holidays are hectic. We all know it. And I’m just going to say it—sometimes you need a cookie that looks like you spent hours crafting, but really, you were binge-watching cheesy holiday movies in between rolling dough. That’s why I love these Candy Cane Pinwheels.

They’re soft and buttery with little crunchy surprises of peppermint candy. And the swirl? It’s so forgiving. Even if your roll isn’t perfect (mine rarely is), once you slice them, they still come out looking like you bought them from a fancy bakery. Plus, you can make the dough ahead of time, stash it in the fridge, and bake whenever you feel like playing domestic goddess for a few minutes. They’re the kind of cookie that makes people raise their eyebrows in that “oh wow, you made these?!” way. And you just smile, right?

Ingredient Notes:

I know sometimes ingredient lists feel like reading a science experiment, but this one’s super chill. Here’s the lineup and why it matters:

All-Purpose Flour – No surprises here. It’s the dough’s backbone.
Baking Powder & Salt – A little puff, a little balance. Not much to say, but don’t skip ‘em.
Unsalted Butter – Two sticks. Not sorry. This is what makes them melt-in-your-mouth good.
Sugar – Plain old granulated. You probably have it in the pantry already.
Egg – The glue that brings the party together.
Vanilla Extract – This one’s like a warm hug in cookie form.
Peppermint Extract – Just enough to make it festive without knocking you over.
Peppermint Candies – Crushed up into tiny peppermint confetti. Adds a little crunch and a lot of holiday spirit.
Red Food Coloring – Optional, but c’mon, it’s called a Candy Cane Pinwheel. We need that swirl.

How To Make Candy Cane Pinwheels?

Alright, let’s not overthink this. If you can roll up a yoga mat, you can make these.

First, whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt. Nothing exciting here, just a quick mix.
Next, cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. You want it to look like you could frost a cupcake with it. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until it all comes together into this lovely, smooth, buttery mixture that already smells like Christmas.
Now, turn down the speed (unless you want a flour snowstorm) and slowly add the flour mixture. Keep going until it looks like dough. Not too sticky, not too crumbly. Just right.
Here’s where it gets fun—divide the dough in half. One half goes into plastic wrap for now. The other half? Back into the mixer. Add the peppermint extract, crushed candies, and that red food coloring. Mix it until it’s got that candy cane vibe going on.
Both doughs need a quick chill in the fridge. Roll each one between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 14×8 inches. If it’s not perfect, don’t stress. After about 15 minutes in the fridge, peel off the parchment, stack the peppermint dough on top of the plain dough, and press gently.
Now, channel your inner sushi chef and roll that dough into a log. If the ends are a bit wonky? Meh, rustic charm. Wrap the log in plastic and chill it for at least 2 hours. Or overnight if you’re a planner (I’m not, but maybe you are).
When you’re ready to bake, heat the oven to 375°F. Slice the log into ¼-inch rounds, arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for 12-14 minutes. Halfway through, switch the sheets and rotate them. You’re aiming for edges just starting to turn golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. That’s the official method. In reality, I eat one while it’s still warm and then pretend to be patient.

Storage Options:

If you manage not to inhale these in a single afternoon—props to you. They’ll keep in an airtight container for up to a week. But they also freeze like a dream. Layer them between parchment in a container and stash them in the freezer for up to a month. Perfect for surprise guests or late-night peppermint cravings.

Variations and Substitutions:

Let’s say you’re feeling a little rebellious or just curious. Here’s how you can switch it up:

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Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheels – Swap ½ cup flour for cocoa powder. Instant chocolate vibes.
Color Play – Use green food coloring for a minty twist or go full rainbow if you’re in the mood.
Sprinkles Instead of Candies – No peppermint candies? Use festive sprinkles. Totally acceptable.
Almond Instead of Peppermint – A splash of almond extract gives it a completely different (and amazing) flavor.
Sugar-Crusted Edges – Roll the log in sanding sugar before slicing for a little sparkle and extra crunch.

What to Serve with Candy Cane Pinwheels?

I mean, you could eat these solo (I often do), but if you’re making a moment of it:

Hot Cocoa – Because peppermint + chocolate is a match made in heaven.
Peppermint Mocha – Double down on that holiday flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Yep, sandwich a scoop of vanilla between two cookies.
Holiday Dessert Board – Stack them alongside fudge, bark, and other goodies for a snack table that’ll wow.
Mulled Wine – Fancy? Maybe. But the combo works, trust me.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
You bet. You can keep the dough log wrapped in the fridge for 3 days or freeze it for a month. Slice and bake whenever the cookie mood strikes.

Do I have to use peppermint candies?
Nope! You can use candy canes, or if you want a smoother texture, skip the crushed candy and just use peppermint extract. Or sprinkles. Honestly, it’s flexible.

My dough cracked while rolling—what’s up with that?
It’s probably too cold. Let it sit out for 5 minutes and try again. You want it chilled but still pliable.

So, are you ready to become “that cookie person” too? These Candy Cane Pinwheels are festive, fun, and sneakily easy. And if you find yourself “taste-testing” four in a row while they’re still warm, just know—you’re in good company.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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