Chocolate Pinwheels

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Chocolate pinwheels are delightful swirls of rich chocolate and vanilla dough, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and impressing guests with their beautiful spiral design.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • Sweet 'N Low

Instructions

  1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  2. Cream together shortening, Sweet 'N Low, and egg until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla to the creamed mixture.
  4. Combine the creamed mixture with the flour mixture.
  5. Add milk and mix until smooth.
  6. Divide the dough in half.
  7. Add melted chocolate to one half of the dough and mix well.
  8. Roll each half very thin into rectangles.
  9. Place one rolled dough on top of the other.
  10. Roll them up like a jelly roll to form a log.
  11. Chill the rolled dough overnight.
  12. Slice into thin rounds and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can replace shortening with unsweetened applesauce or a nut butter. Ensure the dough is rolled thinly to achieve crisp pinwheels. Also, chilling the dough overnight is crucial for easier slicing.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate pinwheels are delightful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with desserts like the Sinful Sundae Pie, making them a perfect addition to a dessert spread. Consider serving them at parties or gatherings for added flair.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Pinwheels contains roughly 78 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

78 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 10.9g 4% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 64.2mg 3% DV
Potassium 26.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 3.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 24mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute melted chocolate with cocoa powder. For every ounce of chocolate, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and add 1 tablespoon of fat (like shortening or butter) to maintain the texture.

How can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?

To make gluten-free chocolate pinwheels, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. It's important not to add too much flour at once, as it can affect the final texture of the pinwheels.

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).

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