introduction
This is a simple guide to make Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies. These cookies have a soft dough with a sweet date and nut roll. They are nice with tea or milk. Try them on a cool day and share with friends. For a warm fall twist, you can pair them with apple treats like this apple cider cookies.
why make this recipe
You make this recipe for a warm, sweet bite. The date and nut mix adds a deep, cozy taste. The pinwheel look is fun and neat. They hold well at a party. If you like classic cookies, try a simple bakery-style chocolate chip cookies idea for more cookie fun.
how to make Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies
You mix the dough, make the date-nut filling, roll, chill, slice, and bake. Work in simple steps and keep the dough cool. Use a light hand when you roll the log so the roll stays tight. For a brown sugar hint in the dough, see a brown sugar cinnamon cookies tip.
Ingredients :
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, soft
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Directions :
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the soft butter and granulated sugar until light.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until the dough forms. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk if the dough seems dry.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: cook dates, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, and cinnamon in a small pan for 3–4 minutes. Add nuts and mash to a spreadable mix. Let cool.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×8 inches.
- Spread the cooled date-nut mix in a thin even layer over the dough.
- Roll the dough from the long side to make a log. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Wrap the log and chill for 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds. Place rounds on the sheet 1 inch apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until the edges are light gold. Let cool on a rack.
how to serve Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies
Serve warm or at room heat. They pair well with tea, coffee, or milk. You can dust with a little powdered sugar. For a spiced plate, try a chai spiced serving idea.
how to store Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies
Place cooled cookies in an airtight box. Keep at room temp for up to 4 days. For longer life, freeze in a tight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before you eat.
tips to make Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies
- Chill the dough and the log well. This makes clean slices.
- Chop dates and nuts small so the roll stays tight.
- Roll the dough on light flour to avoid stick.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neat circles.
- For chewier dough, follow some chewy cookie tips.
variation (if any)
- Use figs or raisins in place of dates.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Add a thin line of chocolate spread before you roll for a cocoa twist.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a bright note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use date paste instead of chopped dates?
A: Yes. Use a soft date paste and mix with nuts. You may not need to cook it.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Make the dough and log, wrap, and freeze. Slice and bake from frozen. Add 2–3 more minutes to bake time.
Q: Are these cookies soft or crisp?
A: They are soft in the center with a light firm edge. Bake a little longer for more crisp.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can, but butter gives more taste.
Q: Do I need to toast the nuts?
A: Toasting adds flavor but is not required.
Conclusion
For the original post and more notes, see the full recipe at Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies – Galletta’s Galley.
Print
Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies have a soft dough with a sweet date and nut roll, perfect for serving with tea or milk.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, soft
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the soft butter and granulated sugar until light.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until the dough forms. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk if the dough seems dry.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Cook dates, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, and cinnamon in a small pan for 3–4 minutes. Add nuts and mash to a spreadable mix. Let cool.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×8 inches.
- Spread the cooled date-nut mix in a thin even layer over the dough.
- Roll the dough from the long side to make a log. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Wrap the log and chill for 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds. Place rounds on the sheet 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are light gold. Let cool on a rack.
Notes
Chill the dough well for clean slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neat circles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American






