Dulce de Leche Pinwheels Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade dulce de leche pinwheels with this easy baking recipe! Buttery shortbread dough wrapped around rich caramel creates perfect spirals every time. The secret is in the chilling process for clean slices and maintaining that hypnotic swirl pattern.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

24 cookies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">280g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg white, lightly beaten (for sealing)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons demerara sugar (for sprinkling)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with paddle attachment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Offset spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ruler (for even measurements)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife or pastry wheel</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. This pre-mixing ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough, creating a balanced flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should become noticeably paler and increase slightly in volume. This process incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the cookies' tender texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together and no flour streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Divide the dough in half and form each portion into a rectangle. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm enough to roll. This chilling step allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough less sticky for rolling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Roll out each piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle approximately 25cm x 35cm (10 x 14 inches) and about 3mm (⅛ inch) thick. Work quickly to keep the dough cool, which makes it easier to handle.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove the top parchment from each dough rectangle. Using an offset spatula, spread 150g of dulce de leche evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1cm (½ inch) border along one long edge. The border will help seal your pinwheels when rolled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Starting from the long edge without the border, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment paper underneath to help lift and roll. Brush the border with a little egg white before completing the final roll to seal the edge.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper, then plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate the logs for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This extended chilling is crucial for maintaining the swirl pattern when sliced and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and unwrap.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Brush the outside of each log lightly with egg white and roll in demerara sugar for a sparkling, crunchy exterior. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 2cm (¾ inch) thick rounds. If the dough becomes too soft while working, return it to the refrigerator for 10 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 5cm (2 inches) apart, as they will spread slightly. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don't overbake or they'll become dry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The dulce de leche remains quite hot right out of the oven, so give them time to set.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4>Store the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor actually improves after a day as the caramel notes develop further. Enjoy your beautiful dulce de leche pinwheels with a cup of coffee or glass of milk!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Dulce de Leche Pinwheels Recipe?

These caramel pinwheels require all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and dulce de leche. The exterior gets a delightful crunch from demerara sugar. These simple ingredients create the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and rich caramel flavour.

How to cook Dulce de Leche Pinwheels Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Dulce de Leche Pinwheels by creating a buttery shortbread dough, spreading dulce de leche evenly, then rolling into tight logs. The secret is proper chilling (at least 2 hours or overnight) before slicing into rounds. Bake at 180°C for 11-13 minutes until edges are golden but centres remain slightly soft. The patience during chilling ensures perfect swirls!

Why do my caramel pinwheel cookies spread too much during baking?

Spreading typically occurs when the dough isn't chilled thoroughly. Ensure your rolled logs chill for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Using butter that's too soft in the initial mixing can also cause spreading. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate sliced cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I make these shortbread spirals ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! These swirl cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. You can freeze either the unbaked logs (thaw in refrigerator before slicing) or the baked cookies. Many bakers find the caramel flavour actually intensifies after freezing and thawing, making them perfect for advance holiday preparation.

What's the best dulce de leche to use for pinwheel cookies?

Store-bought dulce de leche provides consistent results and saves time. Look for brands that are thick rather than runny to prevent leakage during rolling. You can also make homemade dulce de leche by simmering condensed milk. Whichever you choose, ensure it's properly cooled before spreading on dough.

Want to try something else in ...