Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these delightful peanut butter pinwheels! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or even a fun activity with the kids. They're soft, chewy, and bursting with that irresistible peanut butter flavor we all adore. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of easy homemade cooking and delicious dishes! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand – it just takes a little more elbow grease! Gradually beat in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pinwheels.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial; it helps prevent the pinwheels from spreading too much during baking. You can even chill it for longer – up to a couple of hours – if your schedule allows.
Step 5: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once chilled, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but remember, less is more!
Step 6: Sprinkle and Roll
Sprinkle the rolled-out dough evenly with powdered sugar. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Place the pinwheels onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use browned butter instead of regular softened butter.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter for the peanut butter.
- Different sugars: Experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per pinwheel, approximate):
Calories: 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 2-3g
These peanut butter pinwheels are a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas or a delightful anytime snack. They’re a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy this simple yet delicious treat!