Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a playful yet elegant treat that blends the rich depth of chocolate with classic vanilla sweetness, look no further than this Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. These delightful spiral cookies are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visual treat, featuring striking black and white swirls that bring a touch of whimsy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving something special, these cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery tenderness and just the right hint of cocoa, making them an absolute favorite for cookie lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with these Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe requires simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture, flavor, and those irresistible swirls. Each ingredient plays a key role in ensuring your cookies come out soft, flavorful, and visually captivating.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly for a soft texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a delicate crunch.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and provides moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the vanilla dough with warm, fragrant notes.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings in the bold chocolate flavor and the classic black spiral color.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to smooth the chocolate dough for easy rolling.

How to Make Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures your dough gets the right lift and seasoning for balanced flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a softer, tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined. This enhances the flavor while binding everything together to form a smooth base dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The texture might feel slightly sticky but should be easy to handle.

Step 5: Divide and Flavor Dough

Split the dough evenly into two portions. Leave one plain for the white swirl. To the other half, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk, mixing thoroughly so the chocolate flavor is evenly distributed and the dough is smooth enough for rolling.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Place each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into rectangles about one-quarter inch thick. This thickness is key to getting the clean spiral effect after rolling the layers together.

Step 7: Chill Dough Sheets

Pop both rolled dough sheets into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling firms them up and makes handling easier when you assemble the pinwheels.

Step 8: Assemble and Roll

Remove the top parchment sheets and stack the chocolate layer on top of the vanilla layer. Gently press them together, trim any rough edges, then tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm—this step is essential for slicing neat cookies.

Step 9: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds, place them on the sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are just set. Let them cool briefly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies look stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can elevate their presentation beautifully. Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts around the plate gives a pleasant texture contrast too.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee, a creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk to bring out their buttery, chocolate vanilla flavors. They also make a fun accompaniment to dessert platters featuring fruit tarts or creamy cheesecakes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the pinwheel cookies in concentric circles on a large platter or stack them in a whimsical cookie tower. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes an adorable host or holiday gift that spreads the joy of baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for about a week, keeping that perfect balance of softness and crunch.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe later, freeze the dough log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. Slice and bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer or freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months.

Reheating

To refresh their warmth and chewiness, pop baked cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft or chewy in an undesirable way.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can be a substitute. Just remember that margarine often contains more water which may affect the dough’s consistency and final cookie texture.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can use silicone baking mats or lightly grease your baking sheets. However, parchment paper makes rolling and baking cleaner and helps prevent sticking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and slice cleanly. It also helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, so those beautiful spirals stay intact.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

While traditional pinwheel cookies keep a smooth swirl, you can add finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough layers for extra texture. Just be careful not to disrupt the rolling process too much.

Final Thoughts

Making the Black and White Pinwheel Cookies Recipe is like creating a little bit of edible art that tastes just as wonderful as it looks. These cookies combine simple ingredients with a clever technique to produce stunning spirals that impress every time. I encourage you to try your hand at this recipe—you’ll find baking these is as enjoyable as eating them, and your friends and family will be asking for the recipe the moment they take their first bite.

Print