Date Pinwheel Cookies

These Date Pinwheel Cookies have always been a favorite because of their deliciously sweet, moist, and nutty filling. This recipe is a classic that never disappoints. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, their nostalgic flavor and beautiful spiral design make them stand out on any table.

Do you need more inspiration from old-fashioned recipes? Why don’t you try these Best Ever Fruit Cake Cookies, Old-fashioned Oatmeal Pie, and Hermit Cookies? Or try something unique like our Alfajores Recipe made with divine dulce de leche.

These date pinwheel cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The buttery cookie dough wraps around a sweet date nut filling, creating a perfect balance of soft and crunchy in every bite.

Ingredients for Date Pinwheel Cookies

The ingredients are easy, and you probably have most on hand.

How to Make Date Pinwheel Cookies

Cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Then, incorporate it into the butter mixture.

Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the date filling. Mix pitted dates with water and sugar in a small saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat until the dates have softened, the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture has thickened. Stir continuously. Once you achieve a thick jam consistency, incorporate chopped walnuts and remove them from the heat. Set it aside to cool down.

Roll each half of the dough on parchment paper with a floured rolling pin into an 11×7″ rectangle.

Divide the cooled date and nut filling between the two rectangles and spread evenly over the dough. Beginning at the wide end, use parchment paper to help roll the dough up tightly.

Pinch the edge to seal. Wrap the logs in the parchment paper and refrigerate for several hours.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400F and slice the logs into 1/4″ slices. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 min. until lightly browned.

Recipe Pro Tips!

What Do Dates Taste Like?

Dates have a sweet and rich flavor similar to caramel and a slight molasses-like depth. Their taste is often compared to a blend of toffee and brown sugar, making them an excellent natural sweetener in both savory and sweet recipes.

What is the best way to slice pinwheel cookie dough?

The best way to slice perfect cookies is to use a very sharp kitchen knife moistened with water. That will ensure clean cuts.

How do you remove the pits from dates?

To remove pits from dates, use a small knife to cut them lengthwise. Then, open the dates and remove the pit from the inside.

Tips for the Best Date Pinwheel Cookies

• Use a sharp knife: For clean cuts, chill the dough thoroughly and use a sharp knife to slice the cookies.
• Freezer-friendly: The rolled dough logs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
• Greased or lined sheets: Ensure your cookies bake evenly using greased baking sheets or waxed paper.

Pin it HERE!!

Pin it HERE!!

Date Pinwheel Cookies

Tara Noland

A wonderfully nutty pinwheel cookie that is paired perfectly with rich dates. These Date Pinwheels will become your new favorite cookie to make.

4 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 30 cookies

Calories 144 kcal

Video

Ingredients

 

Caramel Refrigerator Cookie

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup flour spoon and level
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Date and Nut Filling

• 3/4 lb. moist pitted dates chopped
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 3/4 cup walnuts finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.

  Whisk in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a mixer until combined. Incorporate with your hands to finish.
• Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the date filling. Mix pitted dates with water and sugar in a small saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat until the dates have softened, the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture has thickened. Stir continuously. Once you achieve a thick jam consistency, incorporate chopped walnuts and remove them from the heat. Set it aside to cool down.
• Roll each half of the dough on parchment paper with a floured rolling pin into an 11×7" rectangle.

  Divide the cooled date and nut filling between the two rectangles and spread evenly over the dough. Beginning at the wide end, use parchment paper to help roll the dough up tightly. See pictures in the post for reference.

  Pinch the edge to seal. Wrap the logs in the parchment paper and refrigerate for several hours.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400F and slice the logs into 1/4" slices. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Equipment

Commercial Quality Baking Sheet Pan Set, Natural Aluminum Cookie Sheet, Pack of 2

Silpat The Original Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet

Oven-Safe, Dishwasher-Safe 100% Stainless Steel Cooling and Baking Rack, Pack of 2

Notes

See the post for information, pictures and tips. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.

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