Grandma Hoffman’s Perfect Date-Nut Pinwheels

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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