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?
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.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Absolutely delicoius
- Easy to Make
- Time honored recipe
- Different than other Christmas cookies
- Freezes well
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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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
Ingredients for Date Pinwheel Cookies
The ingredients are easy, and you probably have most on hand.
Recipe Ingredients
Butter – Adds richness and creates a soft, tender cookie texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Light brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cookies moist.
Egg – Essential for binding the dough and adding structure. They also lend a soft and chewy texture.
Vanilla extract – It’s a must in any cookie recipe. Opt for a good quality one for best results.
All-purpose flour – Make sure to spoon and level it before using.
Baking soda – It helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures a soft, tender bite.
Salt – Just a pinch is enough to enhance the flavors of these cookies.
Dates – Naturally sweet and chewy, they create a luscious filling with a hint of caramel flavor.
Walnuts – Add crunch and a nutty depth to complement the sweet date filling.
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.
These cookies are freezer-friendly, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks. You can store these cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
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.
Want more Christmas Cookies?
We make loads of Christmas cookies for the holidays; here is a selection of some of our favorites.
Pin it HERE!!
Pin it HERE!!
Date Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
Caramel Refrigerator Cookie
- 1/2 cup butter
- 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.
Comments & Reviews
Judy says
Thank you for the recipe. I made these and thought I’d share a review. The taste is delicious, though the date filling was a little sweet for my taste. My cookies spread and domed a little and did not hold their shape like yours. My dough was cold when i put the pinwheels into the oven to bake as well. I lowered the temp to 375 on the second batch and it was a little better. But if i where to bake them again, i’d try it at 350 for a longer baking time. The filling is quite thick so I rolled it out between two pieces of cling wrap and placed ot on the dough before rolling (instead of spreading it). The cookies are chewy and a little soft in the middle.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Judy for coming over to give a review, I really appreciate it!! They did cook quickly at that high temp. but I didn’t have any troubles with them. I will make them again as I love dates and I hope you do too!! Cheers, Tara
Judy says
Thank you for the recipe. I made these and thought I’d share a review. The taste is delicious, though the date filling was a little sweet for my taste. My cookies spread and domed a little and did not hold their shape like yours. My dough was cold when i put the pinwheels into the oven to bake as well. I lowered the temp to 375 on the second batch and it was a little better. But if i where to bake them again, i’d try it at 350 for a longer baking time. The filling is quite thick so I rolled it out between two pieces of cling wrap and placed ot on the dough before rolling (instead of spreading it). The cookies are chewy and a little soft in the middle.
Samantha @FerraroKitchen says
Love these!!! Love dates and always wanted to make pinwheel cookies….you make the best things Tara 🙂
Sarah M. says
I’d make a roasted chicken! Then I could use it in recipes all week long.
Val says
I would make ham scalloped potatoes. YUM! That is a GORGEOUS dish.
Dina says
they look delish!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so much!!
Hezzi-D says
These are adorable! Love them!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much for coming over!!
Laureen King says
Enjoying all the Christmas recipes you’ve been sharing Tara.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Laureen!!
Tammie says
I would make baked macaroni and cheese. A terrific comfort food for cold weather. Love this casserole dish. Your cookie looks wonderful. This was my mother’s favorite cookie.
Noshing with the Nolands says
They are a very traditional cookies, I loved making them. Thanks Tammie!
carolinaheartstrings says
Baked Ziti. That would taste wonderful in this casserole. Love it.
Noshing with the Nolands says
🙂
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
These look amazing, Tara! I can see why these were a favorite!
Happy day #4!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank Jen!!
The Ninja Baker says
I love food with history – especially sweets. Thank you Tara for sharing this recipe…Dates always remind me of my grandmother, Nona, who made delicious date nut cookies =) Anyway, your pinwheels are very, very pretty =)
Noshing with the Nolands says
I love when recipe evoke memories or even ingredients. Thanks so much Kim!!
Liz says
I’ve been looking for a tried and true date pinwheel cookie for years! Pinning!!!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Liz it is a good one!!
Julie says
roast with potatoes and carrots
thanks
Veronica McLaughlin Gantley says
Your swirl cookies look absolutely amazing. It sure would be nice to enjoy them with coffee.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Veronica!!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
omigoodness, caramel refrigerator cookies??? and then swirly deliciousness??? YUM!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Kayle!!