Introduction
Pinwheel cookies are a classic treat that bring together the delightful flavors of vanilla and chocolate. With their charming swirl pattern, these cookies not only please the eye but also provide a satisfying buttery texture combined with the rich taste of cocoa. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoon milk
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Mix cocoa powder and milk into one half until well combined.
5. Roll out both dough portions into equal-sized rectangles on parchment paper.
6. Place the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla dough and gently press together.
7. Roll the dough tightly from one end to create a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
8. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Slice the chilled dough into ½ cm thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add one large egg and the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Step 4: Divide and Flavor the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. In one half, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk until well combined.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
On parchment paper, roll out both the vanilla and chocolate dough into equal-sized rectangles.
Step 6: Layer the Dough
Place the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla dough and gently press them together.
Step 7: Roll into a Log
Starting from one end, roll the combined dough tightly to create a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 9: Slice the Chilled Dough
After chilling, slice the dough into rounds about ½ cm thick and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Store the pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Chilling Time
For best results, ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled to achieve cleaner cuts and a better shape when baked.
Variations
Feel free to experiment by adding different flavors or fillings, such as nuts or dried fruits, to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and make a great dessert for gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their buttery texture and prevents them from becoming stale.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator. When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to two weeks.
Freezer
If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze well! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful pinwheel cookies on a platter alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a pleasant afternoon snack. They also make a lovely gift for holidays or special occasions. For a fun twist, you can pair them with ice cream to create an indulgent dessert. Crushed pinwheel cookies can be sprinkled over yogurt or a fruit salad for an added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (1 cookie, approx. 25g):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Please note, the values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
All-purpose flour
For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Unsalted butter
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lactose-free option.
Granulated sugar
Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
Milk
Almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
Cocoa powder
You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a different flavor profile or carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative.
Cook techniques
Creaming
Creaming is the process of beating softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender texture.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is essential for pinwheel cookies, as it firms up the butter and makes the dough easier to slice. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Rolling Dough
When rolling out the dough, ensure that both portions are of equal thickness. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make transferring the dough easier.
Slicing
Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled log into even rounds. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and maintain a uniform shape.
Baking
Bake the cookies until the edges are slightly golden to achieve the perfect balance of softness and crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you'll want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What can I substitute for unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can use Dutch-process cocoa powder as a substitute for unsweetened cocoa powder, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, feel free to mix in nuts or chocolate chips to the vanilla or chocolate dough for added texture and flavor.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
These classic pinwheel cookies are a scrumptious treat that beautifully marries the flavors of vanilla and chocolate. Their buttery texture and rich cocoa taste make them an excellent choice for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them at your next gathering to impress your guests with a delightful and visually appealing cookie.
Chocolate and Peppermint Pinwheels
Add crushed peppermint candies to the chocolate layer for a festive twist. Perfect for holiday celebrations!
Nutty Vanilla-Chocolate Pinwheels
Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the vanilla dough for added crunch and flavor.
Matcha and Vanilla Pinwheels
Substitute cocoa powder with matcha powder in one half of the dough for a lovely, earthy flavor and vibrant green color.
Spiced Pumpkin Pinwheels
Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the vanilla dough for a seasonal treat that's perfect in the fall.
Red Velvet Pinwheels
Add red food coloring and a hint of buttermilk to the chocolate layer to create a festive red velvet version of these classic cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirls
Instead of cocoa, add cinnamon and sugar to the chocolate layer for a warm and cozy flavor.
Lemon and Blueberry Pinwheels
Mix lemon zest into the vanilla dough and blueberry puree into the chocolate layer for a refreshing summer treat.
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