Grandma’s Holiday Cream Cheese Pinwheels

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Absolutely! Here’s a big, heartfelt recipe built around the nostalgic memory you shared—complete with introduction, ingredients, method, a bit of history, and a warm conclusion. Let’s recreate your grandma’s holiday classic and make it shine for generations to come.

Grandma’s Holiday Cream Cheese Pinwheels

A Nostalgic Treat Full of Love and Sweet Secrets

Introduction

Some recipes are more than just measurements and instructions—they are warm embraces from the past, whispers from the kitchen where love simmered and laughter filled the air. These cream cheese pinwheels were once a holiday treasure at Grandma’s house, devoured in secret corners with mischievous grins and powdered sugar on tiny fingers. Recreating them is like unwrapping a sweet, buttery memory and sharing it again, heart to heart.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup finely chopped dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins)

For Rolling and Topping:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method & Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl or food processor, blend flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract. Mix until dough comes together.
  4. Divide dough into 2 equal parts, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Add nuts and dried fruits if using. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a rectangle about ⅛ inch thick.
  3. Brush lightly with egg wash.
  4. Sprinkle half of the filling evenly over the dough.
  5. Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough into a tight log.
  6. Slice into ½-inch pinwheels. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
  7. Repeat with the second dough disc and remaining filling.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Let cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar.

History & Formation

These cream cheese pinwheels date back to mid-century America when home bakers began using processed cream cheese in innovative ways. Inspired by Eastern European rugelach and Danish pastries, this American adaptation became a hit at church potlucks and Christmas cookie swaps. The rich, tender dough—somewhere between pie crust and Danish—cradles the sweet, spiced filling in a swirl of flavor. Every bite is a snapshot of tradition.

Conclusion

When you bite into one of these golden pinwheels, you’re not just indulging in a treat—you’re traveling through time. This recipe is more than sugar and spice; it’s stitched together with love, laughter, and memories whispered between generations. Whether shared at a holiday party or made for a quiet morning with coffee, these pastries bring joy wherever they land.

For the Lovers of Sweet Memories

To the ones who sneak into the kitchen just for one more. To the lovers of nostalgia, butter, and cinnamon. To the bakers passing recipes on not just in books, but through stories and smiles—this one’s for you.

Bake with love. Sneak a few. And share generously.

Would you like this turned into a printable or shareable recipe card? Or maybe you’d like a variation with jam or chocolate?

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