Pizza pinwheels are rolled pizza bites filled with sauce, cheese, and toppings, perfect for snacks, lunches, or party trays. They’re super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

What Are Pizza Pinwheels?

Think of pizza pinwheels as pizza spirals, rolled-up dough (or puff pastry or tortilla) filled with pizza toppings, then sliced and baked. The result? A crispy, cheesy, bite-sized treat that’s fun to eat and even more fun to make.

They’re great for kids, lunchboxes, family dinners, or quick party appetizers. You can use store-bought dough, tortillas, crescent rolls, or even make your own from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Basic Version)

Here’s what you need to make classic pepperoni pizza pinwheels with puff pastry. You can swap or add ingredients based on your preferences.

Basic Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry (or pizza dough or crescent roll dough)
½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15–20 slices pepperoni (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional but adds shine)

Substitute Ideas:

Use tortillas instead of dough for soft, lower-carb pinwheels.
Use pesto or white sauce instead of pizza sauce for flavor twists.
Add chopped veggies, olives, or cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How to Make Pizza Pinwheels (Step-by-Step)

You don’t need fancy tools—just a rolling pin, a baking tray, and a sharp knife. Here’s a super simple guide:

Step 1: Preheat oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
Roll out your puff pastry or pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.

Step 3: Add toppings
Spread sauce evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese, then place pepperoni slices. Don’t overload, or the roll will be messy.

Step 4: Roll & slice
Start from the long side and roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch rounds.

Step 5: Brush with egg wash
(Optional) Beat one egg and brush the tops for a golden color.

Step 6: Bake
Place on the tray. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Easy Dough Alternatives (Tortillas, Crescent Rolls & More)

Not in the mood to make dough? No problem. Here are 3 super simple shortcuts:

A. Pizza Pinwheels with Tortillas

Use large flour tortillas instead of dough.
Spread sauce and cheese, roll up tightly, and slice.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until slightly crisp.
These are great for kids or as a lighter bite.

B. Crescent Roll Pizza Pinwheels

Use refrigerated crescent dough.
Unroll, press seams together, and follow the same steps.
Bakes up soft and buttery!

C. Homemade Dough (Optional for Flavor Fans)

Mix flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt.
Let rise for 1–2 hours.
Adds amazing flavor and a chewy texture—but takes more time.

Kid & Toddler-Friendly Tips (Even for Babies)

Yes, you can make pizza pinwheels for babies or toddlers—just modify a few ingredients:

Skip the salt and processed meats (like pepperoni).
Use soft veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mashed sweet potato.
Try low-fat cheese and mild sauces.
Cut into smaller pieces and bake until soft, not crunchy.

Bonus tip: Let toddlers help roll and sprinkle. It makes eating more fun!

Make Ahead, Store, and Reheat

Can you freeze pizza pinwheels?
Yes! Lay them flat on a tray and freeze for 1 hour. Then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen pinwheels:

Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Or pop into the air fryer for extra crispness.

Fridge Storage:
Keep cooked pinwheels in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or toaster oven for best texture.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Feeling creative? Try these easy ideas:

Veggie Pizza Pinwheels: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, olives.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Use deli ham, mozzarella, and mustard or pesto.
Pesto Pinwheels: Use pesto sauce instead of pizza sauce.
Sourdough Pinwheels: Use sourdough pizza dough for a tangy flavor.
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels: Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Common Questions (Quick Answers)

Q: How long to cook pizza pinwheels?
A: 15–18 minutes in the oven or 8–10 minutes in an air fryer.

Q: What’s the best dough for pizza pinwheels?
A: Puff pastry is quick and flaky. Homemade pizza dough gives a chewy texture. Tortillas are great for light, soft pinwheels.

Q: Are they freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze before or after baking. Reheat directly from frozen.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Yep. Assemble and chill for 24 hours, then bake fresh when needed.

Q: Are they healthy?
A: They can be! Use whole-wheat dough, less cheese, and lots of veggies.

Q: How many calories per pinwheel?
A: It depends, but one average pizza pinwheel has about 90–120 calories.

Final Thoughts

Pizza pinwheels are one of those recipes that never fail. They’re fast, fun, and you can always switch things up based on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Whether you’re feeding picky toddlers, hungry teens, or party guests, they check every box—cheesy, crispy, and customizable.

So go ahead—roll, slice, bake, and enjoy!