Cookie Pinwheels

Cookie Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Walnuts

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Cookie pinwheels are a delightful treat that combines a buttery pastry with a sweet and nutty filling. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your friends and family.

History

The origins of cookie pinwheels can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where they are a popular dessert during the holiday season. The combination of a flaky pastry and a flavorful filling has made these cookies a favorite among many cultures.

Ingredients

Pastry

1 cup of softened butter
8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese
0.25 cup of dairy sour cream
2.25 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp of salt

Filling

2 cups of finely ground walnuts
0.5 cup of sugar
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 egg
1 tsp of grated orange rind

How to prepare

Pastry

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add sour cream and continue beating.
Stir in flour and salt until a firm dough forms.
If needed, add more flour.
Divide the dough in half.
Flatten each half into a 4" square.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Filling

Once the dough is ready, prepare the filling by combining nuts, sugar, cinnamon, egg, and orange rind in a small bowl.
On a floured surface, roll out half of the pastry to a 9" square, about 0.25" thick.
Evenly spread 0.75 cup of the filling over the pastry.
Roll up the pastry jelly-roll style.
Wrap it in foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Repeat the process with the remaining pastry and filling.
Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (177°C).
Lightly grease 2 large cookie sheets.
Using a serrated knife, cut the rolls into slices that are 0.25" thick.
Place the slices on the cookie sheets, keeping them 0.5" apart.
Reshape them into rounds if necessary.
Bake in the preheated moderate oven (350°F (177°C)) for 15 – 20 minutes or until they are firm and golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for 10 minutes.
Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations

Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Add a drizzle of icing on top of the baked cookies for a sweeter touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a serrated knife to cut the rolls into slices for a clean and even cut.

- Reshape the cookies into rounds before baking to ensure they maintain their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy cookie pinwheels with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the cookies just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookie pinwheels on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cookie pinwheels with a glass of milk for a classic combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cookie pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cookie pinwheels contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cookie pinwheels contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cookie pinwheels contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cookie pinwheels contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cookie pinwheels are a good source of vitamin E from the walnuts and orange rind.

Alergens

Cookie pinwheels contain nuts and dairy, so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cookie pinwheels are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories but high in fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Cookie pinwheels are a delicious and impressive treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a flaky pastry and a sweet nutty filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Cookie Pinwheels. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and she had a way of making even the simplest dish taste like a gourmet meal.

One day, as I watched her in the kitchen, she pulled out an old, worn recipe card from her collection. It was for Cookie Pinwheels, a delicious treat that I had never tasted before. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this was going to be something special.

My grandmother explained that she had learned this recipe from a dear friend many years ago. They used to bake together every Sunday afternoon, trying out new recipes and sharing stories and laughter. This particular recipe had become a favorite of theirs, and my grandmother had held onto it all these years as a cherished memory of their friendship.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to mix the dough, my grandmother shared stories of her friend and the many happy times they had spent together in the kitchen. I could feel the love and warmth that went into every step of the recipe, and I knew that this was more than just a cookie - it was a connection to the past and a celebration of friendship.

The dough came together easily, and soon we were rolling it out into a thin, even layer. My grandmother showed me how to spread the filling over the dough, using just the right amount to ensure a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Then came the fun part - rolling up the dough into a tight spiral, creating the signature pinwheel shape.

As we sliced the dough into individual cookies and placed them on the baking sheet, I couldn't wait to see how they would turn out. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, and I knew that these cookies were going to be something special.

When the timer finally dinged and we pulled the cookies out of the oven, they were golden brown and perfectly puffed. My grandmother smiled as she placed a warm cookie in my hands, the filling oozing out slightly as I took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - sweet and spicy, with a hint of buttery richness. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own collection.

Over the years, I have made these Cookie Pinwheels many times, always thinking of my grandmother and her dear friend as I roll out the dough and slice it into perfect spirals. Each time I bake them, I am reminded of the joy and love that went into creating this recipe, and I am grateful for the memories that it brings back.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will feel the same sense of anticipation and excitement that I did when I first discovered it. May these Cookie Pinwheels bring you as much joy and happiness as they have brought me, and may they always remind you of the special bond that we share as family. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter.