Indulge in Black and White Pinwheel Cookies
There’s something undeniably enchanting about cookies that can seamlessly combine the delightful richness of chocolate with the comforting sweetness of vanilla. Enter the Black and White Pinwheel Cookies! These delectable treats are not only a feast for the eyes with their striking swirls but also a joy for the palate, inviting you into a world of contrasting yet harmonious flavors. With each bite, the rich aroma of cocoa dances with the buttery scent of vanilla, offering a delightful mix of textures as they melt softly in your mouth.
Perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or even as a delightful afternoon snack, these cookies come together quickly and easily, guaranteeing you a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. Whether paired with a steaming cup of coffee or enjoyed alongside a cool glass of milk, they’re sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 6 g
(Nutritional breakdown is based on data from the USDA Food Composition Database and is subject to variation based on ingredient brands and quantities.)
Why Make This Recipe
What’s not to love about Black and White Pinwheel Cookies? The exquisite balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors creates a delightful contrast that appeals to everyone. They’re easy to prepare, allowing novice bakers to jump right in while still offering an impressive presentation for seasoned pros. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies can be made ahead of time, making them a thoughtful gift for a friend or a sweet ending to a family dinner.
How to Make Black and White Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate coating (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal halves; into one half, mix in the cocoa powder until well combined.
- Place both doughs between sheets of parchment paper and roll each out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Carefully layer the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla dough and start rolling tightly to form a log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before optionally dipping them in melted chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar.
Baking Tips
- Avoid overmixing the dough; stop as soon as it comes together to ensure light, tender cookies.
- Test doneness by checking that the edges are set and lightly golden, though the cookies will continue to firm up after coming out of the oven.
How to Serve
These cookies shine in simplicity but can also be enhanced with a little creativity. Serve them plain, or pair them with a spread of butter. For a delightful afternoon tea experience, serve them alongside your favorite brew. Toasting them lightly with a drizzle of honey can add an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store
Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn!
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- If you prefer a flakier texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute in place of all-purpose flour.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the vanilla dough for a warm spice twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen butter in this recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for a creamy texture. Frozen butter may affect the dough’s consistency. -
What if my dough seems too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together. -
Can I store leftover dough?
Yes! You can refrigerate unused dough for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months before slicing and baking. -
What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Ensure your dough is adequately chilled before slicing and baking, as this helps maintain the shape. -
Can I use different flavors or add-ins?
Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or using flavored extracts.
Conclusion
In a world of simple pleasures, Black and White Pinwheel Cookies offer warmth and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Embrace the delightful process of baking these cookies and indulge in the rich contrast of flavors. We’d love to hear about your experiences, so feel free to share your own variations in the comments below! Happy baking!
Print
Black and White Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 157 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies combining rich chocolate and sweet vanilla, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate coating (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal halves; mix cocoa powder into one half until well combined.
- Roll each dough half out to a thickness of 1/4 inch between parchment paper.
- Layer the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla dough and roll tightly to form a log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch rounds and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before optionally dipping in melted chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the dough for light, tender cookies. Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




