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Grandma Hoffman’s Perfect Date-Nut Pinwheels

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 1/2 cups finely chopped dates
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water, room temperature

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, well-beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine dates, white sugar, and water. Cook over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in walnuts and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream shortening, brown sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda until combined.
  3. Divide dough into two halves. Roll each half to 1/4-inch thickness, spread the date filling evenly over both halves and roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
  4. Wrap the dough rolls in plastic wrap and chill for 6 to 24 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Slice dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Attribution: Grandma Hoffman’s holiday cookie tray is legendary, and these pinwheels are my favorite! She recently gifted me a copy of this recipe so I can carry on the tradition.

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