Peanut Whirls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Peanut Whirls are delightful cookies featuring a rich peanut butter flavor and chocolate topping, perfect for peanut lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/4 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. soda
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 6 oz. chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cream together shortening, sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla.
  2. Add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix well.
  3. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on wax paper.
  4. Melt chocolate chips.
  5. Cool melted chocolate and spread onto the rolled dough.
  6. Roll into a log shape and chill for 30 minutes.
  7. Slice into cookies with a sharp knife.
  8. Place sliced cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free option, use sunbutter instead of peanut butter. When rolling the dough, dust your hands and the surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking. If you want a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts to the chocolate filling.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Whirls make a delightful treat on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Wilma's Egg Pie or Ruth's Dessert at gatherings. They also make great snacks for lunchboxes or after-school treats.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Peanut Whirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness for up to two weeks. If you need to reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Whirls contains roughly 107 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

107 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 14.9g 5% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 358.7mg 16% DV
Potassium 102.4mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 15.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4% DV
Calcium 26.6mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Peanut

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 nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the nut butter used.

What can I use instead of shortening?

You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil, which will add a bit of flavor. Just ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough or the baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing or enjoying.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →