Date Pinwheels(Cookies)
Sweet and nutty date pinwheels with a tender cookie base and rich filling, perfect for holiday gatherings, tea time, or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the white sugar, chopped dates, and water together over medium heat.
- Cook slowly for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let the mixture cool, then add the chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients: shortening, brown sugar, eggs, flour, soda, and salt.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Divide the chilled dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each part out on a floured board into a thin rectangle.
- Spread a quarter of the date filling on each rolled-out portion.
- Roll up each rectangle like a jelly roll.
- Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Slice the chilled rolls into individual pieces.
- Bake at 410°F until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a nuttier filling, consider using walnuts instead of pecans. To prevent sticking, make sure to flour your rolling surface well. If the dough is too soft after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling. These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Date Pinwheels are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie trays alongside other sweet treats like Candy Kiss Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sliced cookies. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their warmth and crispness without losing moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Pinwheels(Cookies) contains roughly 926 calories, with 13g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh dates instead of dried ones for this recipe?
Fresh dates have a higher moisture content than dried dates, which may affect the filling's consistency. If you prefer to use fresh dates, consider adjusting the water amount in the filling to prevent it from becoming too runny. Dried dates are recommended for the best results in this recipe.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make Date Pinwheels healthier, consider reducing the sugar by half and using whole wheat flour instead of plain flour. You can also add oats for extra fiber and texture. Additionally, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can enhance the flavor while lowering refined sugar content.
What can I serve with Date Pinwheels?
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a selection of other holiday treats, such as Chocolate Lovers Dream. Fresh fruit like strawberries or a fruit salad can also complement the sweetness of the cookies and provide a refreshing contrast.
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).