Swedish Pinwheels

Swedish Pinwheels Recipe - Authentic Taste of Sweden

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: Makes 18 cookies

Introduction

Swedish Pinwheels are a delightful and traditional Scandinavian treat that are perfect for any occasion. These delicious cookies are filled with a sweet and nutty mixture, wrapped in a buttery dough, and baked to perfection. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

History

Swedish Pinwheels have been a beloved treat in Sweden for generations. These cookies are often enjoyed during the holiday season, but they are also a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings throughout the year. The combination of buttery dough and sweet fruit filling makes them a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cardamom
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
0.67 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit Filling

1 cup chopped walnuts
0.25 cup apricot preserves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar
1 egg white, lightly beaten
Red and green sugars

How to prepare

Dough

Combine flour, cardamom, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla until fluffy.
Stir in the flour mixture.
Divide the dough into thirds and flatten.
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Filling

Combine nuts, apricot preserves, cinnamon, and sugar in a small bowl.

Cookies

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease 2 large baking sheets.
On a floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll one-third of the dough into a 9-inch square. Keep the unused dough refrigerated.
Cut the dough into nine 3-inch squares.
Place the squares, 1 inch apart, on the prepared sheets.
Using a small knife, cut four 1.75-inch-long slits into each square, from each corner almost to the center.
Spoon 1 tsp of filling onto the center of each square and brush the edges with egg white.
Fold every other corner or tip over the filling to the center and press lightly to stick.
Place 0.25 tsp of filling in the center of each cookie.
Brush the tops with egg white and sprinkle with colored sugars.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Bake in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool the cookies on wire racks. Store at room temperature or freeze.

Variations

Try using different types of nuts in the filling, such as almonds or pecans.
Experiment with different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or peach, for a unique flavor twist.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to ensure that it is easy to work with.

- Be sure to use a floured surface and rolling pin when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.

- Brushing the edges of the dough with egg white helps to seal the cookies and keep the filling in place.

- Be careful not to overfill the cookies, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.

- For a decorative touch, sprinkle colored sugars on top of the cookies before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Pinwheels are perfect for serving at holiday parties, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat with coffee or hot chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough on a floured surface helps to prevent sticking.

- Brushing the edges of the dough with egg white helps to seal the cookies.

- Be sure to cut slits in the dough before folding to create the pinwheel shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apricot preserves, you can use another type of fruit preserves or jam.

- If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit them from the filling or substitute with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Make Ahead Tips

Swedish Pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Swedish Pinwheels on a decorative platter or cookie tray for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Swedish Pinwheels pair well with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or mulled cider. They also make a delicious accompaniment to a cheese platter or fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Swedish Pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place in a 325°F (163°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Pinwheels contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Pinwheels contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Pinwheels contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Pinwheels contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Pinwheels are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Swedish Pinwheels contain nuts and eggs.

Summary

Swedish Pinwheels are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Swedish Pinwheels. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old wooden box filled with recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I flipped through the weathered cards, one in particular caught my eye.

The card was yellowed with age and had faded handwriting that was difficult to read. But as I squinted and focused, I could make out the words "Swedish Pinwheels." My interest was piqued, as I had never heard of such a dish before. I immediately set out to learn more about this intriguing recipe.

I decided to ask around in my small village to see if anyone could shed some light on the origins of Swedish Pinwheels. I was directed to an elderly woman named Ingrid, who was known for her knowledge of traditional Scandinavian cuisine.

Ingrid welcomed me into her cozy kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon and cardamom filled the air. I explained to her my quest to learn more about Swedish Pinwheels, and she smiled knowingly.

"Ah, Swedish Pinwheels," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "A classic Swedish treat that has been passed down through generations. Let me show you how to make them."

And so, over the next few hours, Ingrid patiently taught me the secrets of making Swedish Pinwheels. The dough was a delicate mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and spices, rolled out into a thin rectangle. The filling consisted of a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, which was spread evenly over the dough before rolling it up into a log.

Once the log was formed, Ingrid showed me how to slice it into individual pinwheels, each one revealing a beautiful swirl of golden dough and rich filling. The pinwheels were then baked until they were golden brown and fragrant, filling the kitchen with a warm and comforting aroma.

As I tasted my first Swedish Pinwheel, I was transported back in time to a cozy kitchen in a quaint Swedish village. The flavors were familiar yet exotic, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that danced on my taste buds.

I thanked Ingrid profusely for her guidance and vowed to continue making Swedish Pinwheels for my family and friends. The recipe had become a cherished addition to my collection, a reminder of the joy of discovery and the power of tradition.

And so, whenever I make Swedish Pinwheels, I think of that chilly autumn day when curiosity led me to a new and delicious recipe. It is a reminder that there is always something new to learn, even in the most familiar of places. And for that, I am forever grateful.