My mom made Date Pinwheels for the first time in history. I don’t know why she hasn’t made them before, but they’ve never been at the top of our list of favorites. However, the first thing my dad said when he saw them was that his brother Denny loved date pinwheels. He shared that his mom baked them for Denny when he was in the seminary. I might not love them, but I think that makes it worth writing it down and sharing it with the world.
Date Pinwheels
½ c solid vegetable shortening
½ c brown sugar
½ c sugar
½ c smooth peanut butter
1 egg
2 c flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
Chocolate Filling:
1 pkg chocolate chips (6 ounces)
1 Tbsp butter
Date Filling:
½ lb pitted dates, cut into fourths
1/3 c water
¼ c sugar
¼ c chopped nuts
In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, sugar, and peanut butter. Add egg; beat until light and fluffy. Sift flour with salt and baking soda. Add to shortening mixture; blend well.
Roll dough into an oblong shape ¼ in thick. Cover dough with waxed paper or clean towel while preparing either the chocolate or date filling.
To make chocolate filling: Melt chocolate chips over hot water. Mix butter with melted chocolate. Let cool slightly.
To make date filling: Cook dates, water and sugar until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add nuts. Let cool slightly.
Spread chocolate and date fillings on dough.
Chill at least 2 hours. Roll, cut and bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees.
