These Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and festivity! As Halloween approaches, why not surprise your family and friends with a treat that’s not only visually stunning but also completely plant-based? With vivid colors and a delicious pumpkin flavor, these cookies are a creative way to celebrate the season. The combination of pumpkin puree for moisture and charcoal powder for that eerie, charming look gives them an irresistible appeal. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a spooky Halloween party, this recipe is sure to spark joy and excitement. Plus, what’s more fun than rolling out cookie dough and creating beautiful pinwheels? Grab your baking supplies, and let’s embark on this delightful cookie-making adventure together!
Why This Recipe Works
Vegan cookies can be amazing, especially when combining the right flavors and textures. In this recipe, the pumpkin puree not only adds a festive touch but also keeps the cookies moist and tender. It’s that delightful balance that makes each bite truly enjoyable.
Moreover, the introduction of charcoal powder isn’t just for show—it offers a unique contrast in appearance while ensuring the taste remains intact. This ingredient adds a bit of hauntingly beautiful flair without overpowering the delightful pumpkin spice flavor, making them a joy to eat. You’ll love how something so simple can elevate your holiday baking!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies
These cookies are the ultimate festive treat for Halloween! Their eye-catching presentation will draw attention on any dessert table, and the fun of making pinwheel designs is an engaging process for kids and adults alike.
What’s more, they are easy to put together, allowing even the youngest bakers in the household to join in the fun. From rolling out the colorful doughs to layering and rolling them into logs, every step is a chance to make memories.

Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup organic sugar
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon charcoal powder
- 3 tablespoons orange sprinkles (optional)
- 3 tablespoons black sprinkles (optional)
Preparing the Dough

Creaming the Vegan Butter and Sugar
Let’s start this delicious journey! First, grab a mixing bowl and combine cold vegan butter with organic sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to whip the mixture until it becomes creamy. This will take about 2-5 minutes, so keep mixing until you see that lovely fluffy texture developing.
Mixing Flavors
Next, it’s time to add some flavors! Incorporate the flax egg, vanilla bean paste (or extract), and pumpkin puree into the creamy mix. Beat everything together for about 30 seconds. You’re looking for a smooth, well-combined batter, so make sure there are no clumps left behind.
Forming the Cookie Dough
Now, it’s time to gradually mix in your all-purpose flour and salt. As you do this, a thick dough will start to form. Once everything is well blended, divide your dough into thirds. You’ll want to set aside ⅔ of the dough for the pumpkin flavor, so keep that in mind as you proceed.
Coloring the Cookie Dough
Take the remaining â…“ of the dough and add 1 teaspoon of charcoal powder. Mix it until the color is fully combined, creating a beautiful dark hue. This little step is what makes these cookies so visually engaging!
Rolling the Dough
Shaping the Pumpkin Dough
Now comes the fun part! Roll out the pumpkin dough between sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it just needs to be a nice even layer.
Shaping the Charcoal Dough
Do the same with the charcoal dough, but aim to roll it slightly thinner than the pumpkin dough. This will help create that layered look you’re going for in the pinwheel.
Forming the Pinwheel
Layering the Dough
Once your doughs are rolled out, we’ll layer them. Carefully place the charcoal layer on top of the pumpkin layer, gently pressing them together. It’s crucial to do this carefully to keep those beautiful colors distinct.
Next, roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges to keep everything snug and contained.
Applying Sprinkles
For a festive touch, mix your orange and black sprinkles. Press them onto the outside of your dough log. This step is optional but adds a delightful whimsical touch to your cookies!
Freezing and Baking the Cookies
Freezing the Log
To make slicing easier, place your dough log on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze it for about 15-20 minutes. This will firm it up nicely.
Slicing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F while waiting. Once the log is chilled, cut it into 10-12 even slices, aiming for about 1 inch wide. Make sure to keep the slices even for uniform baking!
Baking the Cookies
Lay the slices on your baking tray, giving them a little space apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges. After baking, let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or serving platter.
Serving Suggestions
These Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies are perfect to enjoy with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate. They bring joy to Halloween parties and festive gatherings. Their stunning colors and unique flavors are bound to be a hit.
Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure your dough is chilled properly—it makes slicing so much easier! Also, feel free to get creative with alternative sprinkles for even more seasonal fun.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? You can substitute the pumpkin puree for other purees like sweet potato to experiment with different flavors. Similarly, consider using other food-safe color powders to craft seasonal themes that brave both autumn and winter!
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to a week. And if you want to enjoy these later, freeze those unbaked dough logs. They’ll be just as delicious when you pull them out for a quick treat!

FAQs
-
Can I replace the vegan butter with coconut oil?
Yes, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly. -
How do I make a flax egg?
It’s easy! Just mix 1 tablespoon ground flax seed with 3 tablespoons of water and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. -
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins. -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a safe option. -
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the log in advance and freeze it for later.
These Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. With their vibrant colors and delightful flavors, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some cookie magic this Halloween!
Print
Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies
These Vegan Halloween Pinwheel Cookies combine fun and flavor, featuring pumpkin puree and charcoal powder for a visually striking and festive treat.
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup organic sugar
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon charcoal powder
- 3 tablespoons orange sprinkles (optional)
- 3 tablespoons black sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream vegan butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add flax egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree; mix to combine.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt, then divide dough.
- Color one part with charcoal powder.
- Roll out pumpkin dough and charcoal dough into rectangles.
- Layer charcoal on pumpkin dough, roll into a log.
- Press sprinkles onto the log, then freeze for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, slice dough into 10-12 pieces.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the dough is chilled properly for easier slicing.
Experiment with different purees for varying flavors.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0






