Pinwheel Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Colorful pinwheel cookies with sweet date filling and crunchy walnut accents, perfect for holiday gatherings or a delightful treat with coffee or tea.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 oz.) packages ground dates
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup ground walnuts
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Cook dates, sugar, and water together for 10 minutes.
  2. Add ground walnuts to the cooked mixture and set aside.
  3. Mix remaining ingredients to prepare the cookie dough.
  4. Chill the dough until firm.
  5. Divide the dough into 4 parts, roll each into a rectangle.
  6. Spread the date filling over each rectangle and roll up tightly.
  7. Freeze the rolled dough for easier cutting.
  8. Cut into slices and bake at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the walnuts with pecans or almonds. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent sticking. If the filling is too thick, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheel cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Chiffon Delight for a well-rounded dessert spread. Consider serving them at gatherings or as a sweet treat for holidays, making them a perfect addition to your dessert table.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pinwheel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to revive their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pinwheel Cookies contains roughly 393 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

393 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 14.6g 19% DV
Carbs 65.7g 24% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 35.6g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 114.3mg 5% DV
Potassium 497.9mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 27.9mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.4mg 8% DV
Calcium 80.9mg 6% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to roll out when you're ready to bake.

What if I don't have ground dates?

If you don't have ground dates, you can use date paste or finely chopped dried dates as a substitute. Just ensure the consistency is similar to allow for easy spreading on the dough.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! You can enhance the filling with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for a twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content to maintain the right consistency.

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 →