Date Pinwheels Recipe
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20 dozen
Description:
This cherished family recipe, a perennial favorite of my father’s, is none other than the delectable Date Pinwheels! These delightful cookies not only freeze beautifully but also maintain their freshness remarkably well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature—though I must warn you, they tend to vanish quickly once discovered! 😋 While they may require a bit of effort, the uniquely delicious flavor they offer and the sheer quantity this recipe yields make every moment spent in the kitchen utterly worthwhile. Please note, the prep time mentioned does not include the chilling period for the dough.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Dates |
| 1 | Sugar |
| 1 | Water |
| 1 | Shortening |
| 1 | Brown sugar |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 3 | Flour |
| 4 | Salt |
| 1/2 | Baking soda |
| 1 | Cinnamon |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the dates, sugar, and water.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once cooled, stir in the nuts until evenly distributed.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
-
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
-
Divide and Roll the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a thin, even rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
-
Fill and Roll:
- Spread a quarter of the prepared date and nut filling evenly over each rolled-out dough rectangle.
- Carefully roll up each rectangle, jelly-roll style, to create four ‘logs’ of filled dough.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap each dough log securely in plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Chill the wrapped dough logs in the refrigerator for several hours, or until firm.
-
Slice and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unwrap the chilled dough logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place the sliced pinwheels onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the baked pinwheels to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, serve and enjoy these irresistible Date Pinwheels with your loved ones, or store them in an airtight container to savor later.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 405.4
- Total Fat: 14.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- Cholesterol: 31.7mg
- Sodium: 187.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 42.9g
- Protein: 5.2g
Recipe Notes:
- These Date Pinwheels are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to brunches and beyond.
- Feel free to customize the filling by incorporating your favorite nuts or adding a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
- To make ahead, prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake the pinwheels as needed for a fresh-from-the-oven treat anytime.
