Date Pinwheel Cookies
Date Pinwheel Cookies are rich, chewy treats filled with sweetened dates and nuts, rolled into a striking pinwheel shape. Perfect for festive occasions or teatime, they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch with a hint of vanilla. These cookies appeal to those who enjoy flavorful, homemade confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook dates in water a few minutes, stirring constantly.
- Set aside and let cool.
- When cool, add nuts.
- Thoroughly cream sugar and oleo, then add beaten egg and mix well.
- Add vanilla and sifted dry ingredients and mix to form dough.
- Knead dough, divide in half, and roll one part on a floured board to 1/4-inch thickness in a rectangular shape.
- Spread half of the date mixture all over the dough and roll like a jelly roll.
- Wrap in waxed paper and chill in refrigerator overnight.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cut in 1/4-inch slices and place on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you're out of oleo, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. For a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead. Make sure to finely chop the dates for a smoother texture in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside other holiday treats like 'Sitting Pretty' Cookies or Baked Vegetable Omelet at your gatherings. You can also drizzle a light glaze over them for an extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to two weeks. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each cookie individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag, allowing for easy reheating in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Pinwheel Cookies contains roughly 124 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 dried fruits other than dates?
Yes, you can substitute with other dried fruits like figs or prunes for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are pitted and chopped finely to achieve a similar consistency in the filling.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Date Pinwheel Cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and sugars, are also gluten-free.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up. You can also sprinkle a little more flour on your working surface while rolling to prevent sticking.
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).