Cinnamon Walnut Pinwheel Cookies
INGREDIENTS
For the dough:
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus some for rolling the dough)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup Mariani chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the icing (optional):
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 Tablespoons milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup Mariani chopped walnuts
INSTRUCTIONS
Cream together the butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Prepare the filling. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a rectangle about 9x12 inches. Spread half of the filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped walnuts over the filling.
Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Repeat with the second portion of dough and remaining filling.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Unwrap the chilled dough logs and use a sharp knife to cut them into ½-inch slices. Place slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the icing (optional). In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the icing over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with chopped walnuts.