Make Costco-style pinwheels at home with this easy recipe

Craving Costco Pinwheels? Make Them at Home!
Those delicious, flaky Costco pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser, but you don’t need to hit the warehouse to enjoy them. This recipe will guide you through creating your own homemade version, bursting with flavor and perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick snack.
We’ll break down each step, from preparing the dough to assembling and baking the pinwheels, with helpful tips along the way. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and satisfying recipe that tastes just like the Costco originals.
Costco Pinwheels Recipe Card
This recipe is a popular snack often served at Costco stores. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 240 g / 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 120 g / 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 g / 1 cup chopped cooked ham
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1 package of flour tortillas (8-10 count)
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10-12 minutes; Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Serving Size:
8-10 pinwheels, serving 8-10 people
Instructions:
For full recipe instructions, please see our main Costco Pinwheels Recipe page.
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas for easier rolling.
Temperature: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
Ingredients for Costco Pinwheels Recipe
To make delicious Costco Pinwheels, it’s essential to have the right ingredients in the correct quantities. The following list outlines everything needed for this recipe.
The ingredients are divided into essential and optional components. The essential ingredients are:
- 240 g / 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 120 g / 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp / 5 ml dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp / 2 ml garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp / 2 ml onion powder
- 1/2 tsp / 2 ml salt
- 1/4 tsp / 1 ml black pepper
- 240 g / 1 package of large flour tortillas (usually 8-10 tortillas)
- 120 g / 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional ingredients:
- 120 g / 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 120 g / 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
- 60 g / 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
These ingredients will help create the perfect blend of flavors and textures for the Costco Pinwheels Recipe. Ensure to have all the necessary components before starting the preparation process.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Costco Pinwheels Recipe
Ready to recreate those delicious Costco pinwheels at home? This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step, ensuring perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 package (240 g / 1 cup) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup (113 g) softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped ham
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ham, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent roll dough.
- Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into 12 even pinwheels, about 1 inch thick.
- Place the pinwheels cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Costco pinwheels! They’re perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or party treat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Costco Pinwheels
Take your Costco pinwheels to the next level with these expert tips on ingredient selection, presentation, and more.
Ingredient Selection
- Choose a high-quality deli turkey breast or ham for the best flavor and texture.
- Select a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, for a rich and creamy taste.
- Opt for fresh lettuce and veggies, like cucumber and tomato, for added crunch and freshness.
Presentation is Key
- Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels into even, uniform pieces.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a platter or serving board in a visually appealing way, with the filling facing upwards.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, for a pop of color and fragrance.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t overfill the pinwheels, as this can cause them to burst open during transport or serving.
- Avoid using low-quality or processed meats, as these can affect the flavor and texture of the pinwheels.
- Make sure to chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Substitutions and Alternatives for Costco Pinwheels Recipe
To customize the Costco Pinwheels Recipe, consider the following substitutions and alternatives:
- Replace 120 g / 1/2 cup of cream cheese with 120 g / 1/2 cup of Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter flavor and reduced fat content.
- Swap 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill with 30 g / 1/8 cup of dried dill weed for a more intense flavor.
- Use 170 g / 6 ounces of smoked salmon instead of 170 g / 6 ounces of turkey breast for a seafood-inspired twist.
- Substitute 30 g / 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives with 15 g / 1/8 cup of scallions for a milder onion flavor.
These substitutions will allow you to create unique variations of the Costco Pinwheels Recipe. When making changes, adjust the amount of ingredients according to your taste preferences and consider the flavor impact on the overall dish.
Creative Variations on the Costco Pinwheels
Love the classic Costco pinwheels but want to shake things up? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Spicy Sriracha Chicken
Add a kick to your pinwheels by swapping the original filling for shredded chicken tossed in a sriracha mayo sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. This variation takes about 15 minutes longer to prepare due to the chicken cooking time. (Bake at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes).
Mediterranean Delight
Embrace Mediterranean flavors with a filling of hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and spinach. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze before serving for an extra layer of flavor. (Bake at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes).
Sweet and Savory Ham and Pineapple
Combine sweet and savory with a filling of diced ham, pineapple chunks, and a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. (Bake at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes).
Presentation Ideas
- Cut pinwheels into bite-sized pieces for easy appetizers.
- Arrange pinwheels on a platter with colorful dipping sauces.
- Use cookie cutters to shape pinwheels into fun designs.
Storing and Keeping Costco Pinwheels Fresh
After making a batch of delicious Costco pinwheels, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining their texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature: Store pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature (20°C / 68°F) for up to 2 days. This is ideal for serving at parties or gatherings.
- Refrigerate: Place pinwheels in a single layer in a covered container and store them in the refrigerator at 4°C / 39°F. They will keep for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pinwheels will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
When storing pinwheels, make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily. Also, consider freezing pinwheels in individual portions to make them easier to thaw and serve.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Costco Pinwheels Recipe
Preparing the perfect Costco Pinwheels can sometimes be challenging. To ensure success, it’s essential to identify and address common issues that may arise during preparation and cooking.
Common Problems and Fixes
The following are some common problems that may occur when making pinwheels, along with their solutions:
- Pinwheels not rolling evenly: Check that the filling is evenly distributed and that the dough is at room temperature (around 21°C / 70°F). Try rolling the dough more gently to avoid applying too much pressure.
- Filling oozing out during baking: Ensure that the edges are sealed properly by applying a small amount of water (about 15 ml / 1 tablespoon) to the dough before rolling. Bake at the correct temperature (190°C / 375°F) for the recommended time.
- Pinwheels not golden brown: Increase the oven temperature by 10°C / 18°F (to 200°C / 392°F) or brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash (made from 1 egg and 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of water) before baking.
- Dough too sticky or too dry: Adjust the amount of water (add 15 ml / 1 tablespoon at a time) or flour (add 30 g / 2 tablespoons at a time) to achieve the right consistency.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to overcome common issues and achieve perfect, delicious Costco Pinwheels every time.
Nutritional Information for Costco Pinwheels
Ready to dive into the deliciousness of Costco Pinwheels? Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional facts per serving to help you make informed choices:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
These pinwheels are a good source of fiber and protein, making them a satisfying snack or light meal.
Diet Tags: Not Gluten-Free, Not Dairy-Free, Not Vegan
- What can I use instead of cheddar cheese? You can use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a similar flavor.
- Can I use gluten-free wraps? Yes, you can use gluten-free wraps as a substitute.
- Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and freeze them for up to 2 months. Bake frozen pinwheels for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- How do I keep the pinwheels fresh? Store the pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I customize the filling of the Costco Pinwheels Recipe to suit my taste? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings such as spinach, feta, or sun-dried tomatoes to give the pinwheels a unique flavor.
- How far in advance can I prepare the pinwheel dough for the Costco Pinwheels Recipe? You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pinwheels on the same day for optimal freshness.

Key Takeaways from the Costco Pinwheels Recipe
When making the Costco Pinwheels Recipe at home, several essential points stand out for a successful and delicious outcome. The recipe revolves around a few critical components and techniques.
- Ingredient Precision: Using 240 g / 1 cup of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, is crucial for the right consistency.
- Tortilla Size: Utilizing large tortillas (about 25 cm / 10 inches in diameter) allows for the perfect balance between filling and wrap.
- Baking at the right temperature: Preheating the oven to 190°C / 375°F ensures the pinwheels are crispy on the outside and warm on the inside.
These key takeaways from the Costco Pinwheels Recipe highlight the importance of attention to detail in both ingredient measurement and cooking technique. By following these guidelines, the homemade version of these pinwheels can closely replicate the store-bought favorite, making for a satisfying snack.
Conclusion: Making Delicious Costco Pinwheels at Home
We’ve reached the end of our journey to create the iconic Costco pinwheels in the comfort of your own kitchen. As you can see, this recipe is deceptively simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. The result is a delicious, flaky, and satisfying snack that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and will give it a try soon. Don’t stop there – explore our other snack recipes for more tasty and easy-to-make ideas.
