When life hands you lemons, don’t just make lemonade – make Lemon Pinwheels! These delightful citrus-infused treats are perfect for brightening up any day. With a zesty lemon filling rolled in a flaky pastry, these Lemon Pinwheels are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, afternoon tea, or simply craving a sweet and tangy snack, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Title: Lemon Pinwheels
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold, cubed butter. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the flour mixture and continue to mix until a dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well to create a smooth and fragrant lemon filling.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, similar to a jelly roll. Gently press the seam to seal and prevent the log from unwinding.
9. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Remove the Lemon Pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, dust the pinwheels with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Enjoy these Lemon Pinwheels with a cup of hot tea or share them with friends and family for a delightful citrusy treat. These pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but we doubt they will last that long! Bright, fresh, and utterly delicious, Lemon Pinwheels are a taste of sunshine in every bite.
