Healthy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies 🎄🍪

The holiday season is here, and what better way to spread some festive cheer than with a batch of Healthy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies? These vibrant, swirled treats are not just eye-catching—they’re packed with wholesome ingredients that make indulging feel a little less guilty. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a cozy family gathering, or just because you love the magic of Christmas, these cookies will definitely impress.

Ready to add a colorful, healthy twist to your holiday baking? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with flavor and goodness! Here’s why you’ll love them:

Festive & Fun: The beautiful swirls of red and green make them perfect for holiday parties and gift boxes.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like coconut sugar, they’re a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Customizable Flavors: Choose between almond or peppermint extract to suit your holiday vibe.
Perfect Texture: Soft, slightly chewy, with a crisp edge—cookie perfection in every bite!

What Do These Cookies Taste Like?

Imagine the buttery richness of a classic sugar cookie, but with a deeper, nuttier flavor from whole wheat flour. The coconut sugar adds a gentle caramel note, while the almond or peppermint extract gives them that signature festive flair. The texture? Soft, tender, with just the right amount of chew. They’re sweet but not overwhelming—perfect with a cup of hot cocoa or a cozy chai latte.

Health Benefits of These Holiday Treats

While cookies are meant to be a treat, it’s always nice to sneak in some healthier ingredients:

Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber, making them more filling and nutritious than regular white flour cookies.
Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
No Artificial Colors: You can use natural food coloring to keep things festive without any synthetic additives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful pinwheel cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1 cup coconut sugar or natural sweetener 🍬
1 large egg 🥚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
1 teaspoon almond extract or peppermint extract (your choice) 🌿
3 cups whole wheat flour 🌾
1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
Natural food coloring (red and green for the festive swirls) 🌈

Optional for extra sparkle: a bit of coarse sugar to sprinkle on top before baking!

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for slicing the pinwheels!)
Baking sheets

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Want to make these cookies your own? Here are some easy tweaks:

Butter Substitute: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, though the texture will be slightly different.
Flour Options: Try spelt flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour if needed.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Color Naturally: Use beet powder for red and matcha for green if you prefer all-natural coloring.

How to Make Healthy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and coconut sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond or peppermint extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Divide & Color

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red natural food coloring to one half and green to the other, kneading gently until the colors are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Roll It Out

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Place one colored rectangle on top of the other and gently press them together.

Step 5: Roll Into a Log

Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, like a jelly roll. Wrap the log in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps with clean slicing).

Step 6: Slice & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

What to Serve with These Festive Cookies

Hot Beverages: Pair with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or spiced tea.
Holiday Platters: Add them to a cookie tray with gingerbread men, snowball cookies, and peppermint bark.
Gift Idea: Package them in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for the perfect homemade gift.

Tips for Perfect Pinwheel Cookies

Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cookies hold their shape when slicing.
Sharp Knife = Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to get those perfect swirls.
Don’t Overbake: They might look slightly soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Store Your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the dough log for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, slice, and bake as directed.
Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies—just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and chilled up to 3 days in advance or frozen for longer storage.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is crucial. If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the sliced cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

4. Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re moderately sweet thanks to the coconut sugar. You can adjust the sweetness by using a little less sugar if you prefer.

Wrapping It Up 🎁

These Healthy Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are festive, fun, and just the right balance of indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing gifts, or simply adding to your holiday cookie stash, these colorful swirls are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite flavors and natural colorings!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your festive creations! 🎄🍪✨

Looking for More Holiday Treats?

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and lots of cookies! ❤️