Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth? Look no further than these delightful peanut butter pinwheels! This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. These pinwheels are a fantastic homemade treat, perfect for a quick dessert, an after-school snack, or even a party appetizer. Get ready to enjoy these irresistibly tasty pinwheels!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (creamy is best)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed for consistency)
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your sugar cookie dough package. Usually, this is around 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix well until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it's easily spreadable.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
-
Unroll the refrigerated sugar cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out slightly to create a thinner, more even layer. This will make it easier to spread the filling and roll the dough.
-
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out cookie dough. Try to get a consistent layer to ensure even pinwheels.
Bake and Enjoy:
-
Tightly roll the dough from one of the short ends, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it.
-
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
-
Let the pinwheels cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheels:
- For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter. Just note that it may require a little more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
- If you want to add a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the peanut butter filling before rolling the dough.
- Don't overbake the pinwheels! Slightly underbaked pinwheels will be softer and chewier.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels: Add 1/4 cup of melted chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for an extra decadent treat.
- Cinnamon Peanut Butter Pinwheels: Sprinkle cinnamon on the peanut butter filling before rolling.
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries into the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per pinwheel - approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. However, expect roughly:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 6-8g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Sugar: 8-10g
These delicious peanut butter pinwheels are a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. They're easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this quick and simple recipe perfect for any occasion!