Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies

Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with a soft, buttery cookie. These cookies are fun to make and will impress anyone who tries them. Their unique pinwheel shape makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or just a sweet snack at home, Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies are bound to be a hit!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies. Firstly, they are delicious and have a sweet, fruity flavor that can brighten your day. Secondly, the recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. You can easily make these cookies with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Finally, they are great for sharing, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply treating your friends and family.

How to Make Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies

Making Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow the simple steps below to create your own batch of these tasty treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
4. Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually add it to the creamed mixture and mix well.
5. Spread half of the dough into a rectangle on a sheet of wax paper.
6. In another bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
7. Spread half of the pineapple mixture over the dough.
8. Roll the dough tightly using the wax paper, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Slice the rolled dough into pinwheels and place them on a baking sheet.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies

Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them on a platter at room temperature. They make a great snack with tea or coffee, or as a sweet treat after a meal. You can also garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Store Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies

To keep your Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 3-5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will be good for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them before serving!

Tips to Make Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies

• Make sure your butter is properly softened to mix easily with the sugar.
• Drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
• Chill the rolled dough well before slicing to ensure neat pinwheels.
• Experiment with the size of the slices; thinner slices will bake quicker and become crispier.

Variation

If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some shredded coconut with the pineapple filling for a coconut-pineapple flavor. You can also substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

   • Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to chop it finely and drain it well to avoid extra moisture.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

   • You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt, but the texture may vary slightly.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and leave it in the refrigerator until you are ready to finish the recipe.