Celebrate with Pinwheels

Think of pinwheels and you'll probably think of fun and movement and energy. So, pinwheels seem like a natural for celebrations. The Chinese culture believes that pinwheels have the power to turn obstacles into opportunities.  Starting a new year would be a great time for thinking about making opportunities. 
These pinwheel cookies feel like a celebration. I made them for Christmas, but I want to try some different versions later. Maybe tinting one half of the dough with food coloring instead of chocolate? I see a purple and white pinwheel cookie in the plans for a tailgate next fall! This recipe is another from EatWheat.org

PINWHEEL COOKIES

DOUGH:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter, softened (do not substitute margarine)

⅔ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, beaten

1-2 tablespoons milk

1 (1-oz) square unsweetened baking chocolate, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1.   in a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2.     In mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3.     Add egg and milk; beat until well mixed. Add the flour mixture and stir to form a dough. (If dough is dry, add 1-3 teaspoons additional milk.)

4.     Divide dough in half. Add the melted chocolate to one half of the dough and mix together. Gently knead chocolate dough by hand to thoroughly combine.

5.     Between sheets of wax paper, roll each piece of dough into a 12”x9” rectangle. Place the chocolate dough on top of the plain dough. Roll up, beginning with 12-inch side. Wrap in wax paper an chill 15 minutes.

6.     Preheat oven to 350°F. With a sharp knife, cut roll into ⅓” slice. Place each slice about 1 inch apart on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

7.     Bake 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from baking sheet; cool on rack.

Each cookie 68 calories

The dough is rolled up and has been refrigerated.

Sliced and ready to bake