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Chocolate and Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies

Chocolate and Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies

These Chocolate and Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a moment of comfort. The soft texture almost melts in your mouth, while the layers of flavor surprise you with every bite. The vanilla brings a creamy, mellow sweetness. The chocolate adds a deep, rich contrast. Together, they create a cookie that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special snack, or just because, these cookies always bring smiles.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the vanilla dough:
  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate dough:
  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Method
 

  1. First, make the vanilla dough. In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract, beaten egg, cornstarch, and flour. Stir until it forms a soft dough. If it's too sticky, add a little extra flour.
  2. For the chocolate dough, repeat the same steps. Mix the butter and sugar first. Add the egg, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and flour. Stir until you get a smooth chocolate dough.
  3. Wrap both doughs in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll.
  4. Once the doughs are firm, roll each one out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep both doughs the same size.
  5. Place the chocolate dough on top of the vanilla one. Press them together gently so they stick. Then roll the layers tightly into a log, like a jelly roll.
  6. Wrap the cookie log in plastic wrap and put it back in the fridge for an hour. This helps it hold its shape when sliced.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Slice the chilled log into cookies about ½ inch thick. Place them on the baking sheet with a little space in between.
  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack.

Notes

Tips for Rolling the Dough Perfectly

Rolling the dough just right is the secret to getting that clean, pretty swirl in every cookie. Here's what I’ve learned from my own baking adventures:
  1. Chill the Dough Well:
    After mixing, chill both doughs for at least 30 minutes. Cold dough is easier to roll and doesn't stick as much.
  2. Use Parchment Paper:
    Roll each dough between sheets of parchment paper. It stops sticking and makes it easier to flip one layer over the other.
  3. Keep the Shapes Even:
    Try to roll both vanilla and chocolate dough into the same size rectangle. This helps the layers line up and roll smoothly.
  4. Don’t Press Too Hard:
    Use light pressure when rolling the log. Pressing too hard can stretch or crack the dough.
  5. Tight but Gentle Roll:
    Roll the layers tightly so you get a nice swirl, but be gentle. If it cracks, press lightly to fix it.
Chill Again Before Slicing:
Wrap the rolled log and chill it again for an hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape when you slice and bake them.