Breakfast Cinnamon Pinwheels
Sweet and flaky cinnamon pinwheels with a tender dough and rich cinnamon-sugar filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those craving warm, comforting treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add enough milk to make a soft dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board.
- Knead for half a minute.
- Roll into an oblong about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread with soft margarine.
- Stir cinnamon, sugar, and chopped nuts (if using) together.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
- Cut into 3/4-inch slices.
- Arrange cut side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes. While still hot, frost with powdered sugar icing.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure not to over-knead the dough; just enough to bring it together will suffice. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Feel free to customize the filling with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm cinnamon pinwheels with a drizzle of icing on top for a delightful breakfast treat. They pair beautifully with Emma'S Cottage Cheese Salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting brunch, consider serving them alongside coffee or tea, or even a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast Cinnamon Pinwheels contains roughly 197 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can create a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a little molasses. For every cup of brown sugar needed, combine 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will give you a similar flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, these pinwheels freeze well! Once baked and completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. After they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months and reheated directly from the freezer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).