Time might have been too fast but March is now right at our doorstep! See this post for a list of some popular March recipes to make.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
Pinwheel Cookies
Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for the Christmas holiday season; this family recipe has a dough that can be made ahead and then sliced when ready to make them. They are crisp sugar cookies with alternating vanilla and chocolate dough, and optionally coated in festive sugar sprinkles.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Pinwheel Cookies
Hi Everyone, one of the great perks of being married to my husband, Eric, is discovering his family's recipes.
I am an archivist at heart and I want to record all these family recipes for future generations.
Eric's mom made these Pinwheel Cookies and she makes them almost every year.
This year she added the festive holiday sprinkles on the outside.
These are perfect for the Christmas Holiday Season because the dough needs to be chilled, therefore, they can be made ahead before slicing and baking.
The recipe also makes about 8 dozen cookies, making it a great option for gift giving, parties, and bake sales.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- festive sugar sprinkles for coating outside, optional
This post may contain affiliate links which won't change your price but will share some commission.
Kitchen Tools
- measuring spoons and cups
- mixing bowls
- baking spatula and/or wooden spoon
- parchment paper or wax paper for wrapping the dough
- rimmed baking sheet
- silicone baking mat or parchment paper for baking the cookies
- wire cooling racks
Web Story
Related Posts
I know you will love this Pinwheel Cookies recipe!
Latest Posts
- March Recipes
- Spring and Easter Recipes Collection
- 1st Birthday Cake
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
- St. Patrick's Day Recipes Collection
Pinwheel Cookies
Yield:
96 cookies
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8 minutes
Total Time:
28 minutes
Pinwheel Cookies are perfect for the Christmas holiday season; this family recipe has a dough that can be made ahead and then sliced when ready to make them. They are crisp sugar cookies with alternating vanilla and chocolate dough, and optionally coated in festive sugar sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- festive sugar sprinkles, for coating outside, optional
Instructions
- Cream shortening and add sugar gradually until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract to the shortening mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture and the milk to the shortening mixture and combine.
- Divide dough in half. Add chocolate to one half and mix well.
- Chill the dough so it can be handled more easily (20 minutes).
- Roll each half ⅛ inch thick between two sheets of waxed paper.
- Remove top sheet from both halves. Place white half on dark. Remove top paper and roll both parts of dough together, like a jelly roll. At this point, you can sprinkle sugar sprinkles on the outside (optional). Wrap in wax paper and chill overnight. Slice ⅛ inch thick and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet in a 375 degree F, preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. (makes 8 dozen)
Notes
- serving size 1 cookie
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 96Amount Per Serving: Calories: 42
Owner at Life's Little Sweets
Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
Latest posts by Sara Maniez (see all)
- Spring and Easter Recipes Collection - March 18, 2025
- 1st Birthday Cake - March 17, 2025
- Corned Beef and Cabbage - March 17, 2025
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Sara says
If you make this recipe, please rate and comment on how it came out! Thank you in advance! Best, ~Sara xo
Linda Lara says
Hi! I just made these cookies for family and a cookie exchange, this Sunday. I am Sara's mother-in-aw Linda, and Sara is a fantastic daughter-in-law, amd talented in so many areas.
The pinwheels turned out fine, as they always do, in an 375 degree oven, baked for 8 minutes per tray. It took less than an hour to slice and bake them. I have plenty for my exchange AND for family!
Two changes this time: I used 2 sticks of buttwe (8 oz), instead of shortening;, and I used Scharffen Berger unsweetened fine artisan dark Chocolate, 2 blocks. Yum! These cookies from my mo's recipe are even better now! I hope you enjoy making pinwheels this year.
Linda Lara says
Hi! I just made these cookies for family and a cookie exchange, this Sunday. I am Sara's mother-in-aw Linda, and Sara is a fantastic daughter-in-law, and talented in so many areas.
The pinwheels turned out fine, as they always do, in a 375 degree oven, baked for 8 minutes per tray. It took less than an hour to slice and bake them. I have plenty for my exchange AND for family!
Two changes this time: I used 2 sticks of butter (8 oz), instead of shortening;, and I used Scharffen Berger unsweetened fine artisan dark Chocolate, 2 blocks. Yum! These cookies from my mom's recipe are even better now! I hope you enjoy making pinwheels this year.