This holiday cookie recipe is a special one to Melissa, our pastry chef extraordinaire! During her childhood, her family often made many Christmas cookies reserved only for the holidays. These were one of her favorites, and she’s excited that guests at the ranch get to enjoy them as well.
They do take two days to make, so plan accordingly.
Grandma Dorothy’s Date Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
½ cup Crisco shortening
3 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pound dates, pits removed and chopped
½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
Directions:
- Combine the dates, water, and sugar in a heavy-bottom saucepot; bring to a full boil while stirring.
- Set aside to cool.
- Cream together the sugars, butter, and Crisco JUST until combined with a paddle. (You can use all butter if you prefer, but they may spread more).
- Add the eggs and vanilla; mix 30 seconds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda until well mixed.
- Add dry ingredients to the sugar mixture and mix until it comes together.
- On a floured counter or on a silpat, roll out the dough to about a 12”x17” rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Take care to make it even.
- Carefully spread the date mixture over the dough, leaving the top 1” uncovered.
- Roll the dough up tightly, but don’t push the date filling out.
- Carefully set the roll on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic and chill overnight – this is important!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice the log with a sharp chef’s knife into ¼ inch (or a bit thicker) slices; don’t make them too thin.
- Lay out the slices on a parchment lined baking sheet with room to spread; bake 12-15 minutes or until JUST turning golden on the edges.
- Let cool a few minutes before moving to a rack to cool completely.
- You can make the logs well ahead of time and slice / bake on the morning of your party!
Let us know if you try them, and if you’re looking for more holiday recipes to try check out our full collection of recipes here.