Chocolate-Coconut Pinwheels
Chocolate-Coconut Pinwheels are delightful rolled cookies with rich chocolate and coconut flavors, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat shortening and butter until softened.
- Add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well.
- Add flour mixture and beat until well mixed.
- Divide dough in half.
- Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours or until easy to handle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with additional butter. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly as it helps in rolling out the pinwheels without sticking. If you want to elevate the filling, add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate-Coconut Pinwheels are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a warm slice of Mother'S Strawberry Cake. They also make great finger foods at parties or gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds if you're in a hurry, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate-Coconut Pinwheels contains roughly 1205 calories, with 17g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1355mg per serving (59% 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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind the texture may be denser. If you prefer a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work, though the taste and texture might differ slightly from the original.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth or a vegan cream cheese alternative. For a lighter filling, consider using Greek yogurt, but be aware it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How can I make these pinwheels more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the pinwheels after baking. You can also sprinkle colorful sprinkles or coconut flakes on top. For an extra flavor kick, try adding a hint of peppermint extract to the filling during the holidays!
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).