Feeling a little nostalgic, these Maurice Lenell Pinwheel cookies are from Bruce’s youth. Bruce has fond memories of visiting his Aunt Jean and Uncle Bob and snacking on Maurice Lenell Bakery in Chicago. Although any of the Maurice Lenell cookies were good, Christmas Pinwheel cookies were a favorite of his.
These Maurice Lenell pinwheel cookies are rolled up with a vanilla and a milk chocolate layer of cookie dough, and rolled in red and green sugar. The flavor will keep you baking these for every holiday season!
Two layers of cookie dough are rolled out, then layered and rolled into logs. After a nice chill in the fridge, they are rolled in red and green sugar. This gives them the bright color and a tasty crisp edge. Slicing them with a sharp knife while they are ice cold is key to keeping the shape round.
The Maurice Lenell Cookie Company, known for its iconic pinwheel cookies and other sweet treats, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The company’s story is one of entrepreneurship and success, particularly in the Chicago area. The company was founded in 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, by Swedish immigrants August Lenell and his wife, Anna. August was a skilled baker who decided to turn his passion for baking into a business. The company was named after their son, Maurice Lenell.
Signature Pinwheel Cookies: Maurice Lenell became famous for its pinwheel cookies, which were distinctive spiral-shaped cookies with a sweet and crumbly texture. These cookies quickly became a beloved treat for generations of Chicagoans and beyond. Read more about the history: Chicago cookie tradition ends as Maurice Lenell production stops
What you will need to make Maurice Lenell Pinwheel Cookies:
Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It adds a bit of airiness to the texture.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing and intensifying the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also helps to strengthen the gluten structure in the dough.
Flour: Flour is the primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the cookie dough. It provides structure and texture to the cookies.
Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cookies, making them delicious. It also helps to tenderize the dough and contributes to the cookies’ golden-brown color when baked.
Butter: Butter is a key ingredient for flavor and moisture in cookies. It adds richness and a pleasant, buttery taste. It also helps create a tender texture.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together. They contribute moisture and structure to the dough. In some cases, eggs can also provide leavening if used in sufficient quantities.
Vanilla: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, giving them a warm, sweet, and aromatic taste. It is a common flavoring agent in many baked goods.
Almond Extract: Almond extract is an optional flavoring that adds a unique nutty and aromatic flavor to the cookies. It complements the sweetness and vanilla flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are added for flavor and texture. They provide bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cookies, making them more delicious. They also add texture and contrast to the cookie dough.
Instructions for making Maurice Lenell Pinwheel Cookies:
Step 1
- Measure flour, salt, & baking powder out, set aside
- Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition
- Add in almond and vanilla extract
- Add dry mixture and beat on low until just combined
- Scrape dough out of mixer and form a ball
- Split vanilla dough in half, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Step 2:
For Chocolate Layer: Repeat above recipe and then add in chocolate:
- Melt milk chocolate in microwave on half power checking and stirring every 30 seconds
- Add melted chocolate into dough, and mix
- Split dough in half, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Step 3
- Roll out each ball of dough between parchment paper forming a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick
- You will have 2 vanilla, and 2 chocolate rectangles
- Gently pull top parchment paper off of each of the cookie doughs
- Lay the chocolate layer on top of the vanilla layer
- Repeat this with 2nd set of cookie dough
- Roll each roll into a tight roll (think cinnamon rolls!)
- Roll one roll in red colored sugar and other in green colored sugar
- Wrap in plastic wrap and return to refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
Step 4
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
- Bring rolls one at a time and re-roll into fresh colored sugar for a double coating!
- Slice into ¼ inch slices and place on cookie sheet, spacing at least 1 inch apart
Step 5:
- Bake 8-10 minutes, turning half way thru
- Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then cool on a wire cookie rack
- Keep in a covered container
If you are new or experienced to baking you will want to ready this article, that we were featured in:
From Oven to Enterprise: Expert Tips for Home Baking Safety
Equipment
- 1 Sheet pans
- mixer
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups flour
- 1 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
Add in for the chocolate batch:
- 4 ounce melted chocolate chips we used milk chocolate, but you can use semi-sweet
Instructions
Note:
- This recipe is for 2 batches of cookie dough: one vanilla (and one chocolate MAKE 2 BATCHES OF THE BELOW COOKIE DOUGH for these Maurice Lenell Cookies)
Step 1
- Measure flour, salt, & baking powder out, set aside
- Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition
- Add in almond and vanilla extract
- Add dry mixture and beat on low until just combined
- Scrape dough out of mixer and form a ball
- Split vanilla dough in half, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Step 2:
For Chocolate Layer: Repeat above recipe and then add in chocolate:
- Melt milk chocolate in microwave on half power checking and stirring every 30 seconds
- Add melted chocolate into dough, and mix
- Split dough in half, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Step 3
- Roll out each ball of dough between parchment paper forming a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick
- You will have 2 vanilla, and 2 chocolate rectangles
- Gently pull top parchment paper off of each of the cookie doughs
- Lay the chocolate layer on top of the vanilla layer
- Repeat this with 2nd set of cookie dough
- Roll each roll into a tight roll (think cinnamon rolls!)
- Roll one roll in red colored sugar and other in green colored sugar
- Wrap in plastic wrap and return to refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
Step 4
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
- Bring rolls one at a time and re-roll into fresh colored sugar for a double coating!
- Slice into ¼ inch slices and place on cookie sheet, spacing at least 1 inch apart
Step 5:
- Bake 8-10 minutes, turning half way thru
- Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then cool on a wire cookie rack
- Keep in a covered container
Video
Nutrition
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WOW! Just made these. Perfect! Thanks for the memories! Merry Christmas
Pam,
That is awesome! So glad you like them! They sure bring back memories! Have the best Holiday!!
Dina and Bruce
I love these cookies. They are so happy and the swirl is beautiful.
Sisley,
Thank you. These are a holiday favorite!
Dina and Bruce
I Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. It was so easy and the flavors were fantastic.
These pinwheel cookies taste as good as they look! Thanks for such an awesome recipe.
This is seriously amazing! My kids loved these! I can’t wait to make it again!
I’m a little confused about amounts and instructions. In Instructions the Note says “make 2 batches of the below cookie dough”.
Do I make 2 separate batches of the ingredients? (Total 6 cups of flour, 2 cups of butter?)
Jami,
Thank you for reaching out. Yes, this recipe makes a big batch, and our mixer can not handle 6 cups of flour. So we make the first, and that is the vanilla. Then we make it again, and stir in the chocolate. If you want a smaller batch, you could just split the single batch into 2 and stir in half amount of chocolate. Let us know if this clears up any questions. We use red and green for Christmast, but you could use red and blue for Summer! Let us know if yo9u have any other questions.
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
Thank you for the clarification on the recipe. I can’t wait to try these!
Jami,
We can not wait! Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
These cookies are so festive and fun! We made a big batch and gave some as gifts to our neighbors and friends!
Anjali,
That is what we love to hear!!! Bet the friends loved them!
Dina and Bruce
What a great cookie and I like the idea of changing the colour scheme for summer or birthdays too.
Amanda,
Yes! A fun cookie for themed parties!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
Your post left me absolutely delighted. From the moment I laid eyes on those perfectly swirled confections, I knew I was in for a treat. The impeccable combination of flavors and textures is simply heavenly. The cookies melt in my mouth, while the delicate crunch adds a delightful surprise. Making them again!
Tavo,
Your writing is so delightful! Thank you for your comments!!!
Dina and Bruce
These were so fun to make. My kids loved them too.
Dannii,
Yay! Fun for kids young and old!
Dina and Bruce
Absolutely delicious and so cute too. We loved them.
Ella,
Fun cookies to make! Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
These cookies both look adorable and taste great – I love the contrasting layers.
These pinwheel cookies are a delightful blend of artistry and taste! The swirls of vibrant colors not only make them visually appealing, but the combination of flavors is really yummy, too.
These were everything a gourmet cookie should be, and then some! Turned out perfectly swirled, sweet and delicious!
Sara,
We are humbled. Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
These are pure nostalgia! Reminds me of cherished moments and the delightful taste of my childhood. The perfect blend of memories and sweetness in every bite.
Kim,
You made our day! Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
These cookies are so fun and festive!! They’ll make a perfect addition to the holiday cookie basket I make for Christmas every year!
What a fun and festive looking cookie to make. I didn’t know about Maurice Lenell cookies, that must be so sad for their fans in Chicago and beyond!
Sharon,
Very sad. So we love when people find our recipe and can remember this family bakery!
Dina and Bruce
What a fun cookie idea! These would be so perfect for the holidays. 🙂
I made these with the kids over the weekend and was lots of fun! Super delicious and I will definitely make again soon!
The combination of flavors and the perfect texture made them impossible to resist. They were a hit with my family and friends!
They look so fancy and gorgeous with these colors; love that they are easy to make too! Perfect holiday project my kids!
Kechi,
Thank you. And we are so happy to share this recipe with you.
Dina and Bruce
Can the prepared cookie dough rolls be frozen and then sliced and baked later?
Sara,
Absolutely! Seal in plastic wrap, then in a freezer bag. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before you slice and bake.
Dina and Bruce
These are the prettiest Christmas cookies! Excited to make them!
Elaine and James,
Thank you. They are a holiday tradition over here!
Dina and Bruce
These pinwheel cookies are fantastic. The simple steps make them look super easy to make and I cannot wait to make them for my next cookie exchange.
MacKensie,
So glad the video helped! Happy Holidays!
Dina and Bruce
Whipped up a batch of these for an afternoon treat, and they do not disappoint! Fun, festive and delicious; the perfect holiday treat, indeed!
Sara,
Y’all just made our day! Happy Holidays!
Dina and Bruce
What a fun and festive cookie for the Holidays. They will be the perfect addition to my cookie tray.
Andrea,
Oh yay! Happy Holidays!
Dina and Bruce
This was amazing and such a treat! Thank you! Everyone in my family loved it.
Shadi
So glad your family loved these cookies!
Dina and Bruc
Maurice Lenell Pinwheel Cookies are a holiday favorite, and this recipe brings them to life with perfection! The layers are flaky, the filling is sweet, and the overall taste is nothing short of heavenly. Bravo!
I love how pretty and festive these cookies look, and the flavors work so well too.
These are adorable and delicious! I love that you roll them in festive colored sprinkles. They are a perfect Holiday treat.
Michaela,
Thank you. They were Bruce’s fav growing up. He makes them every year!!
Dina and Bruce
These classic pinwheels are going in the Christmas cookie gift box for family and friends, they are going to love this classic treat.
Such a fun idea! Can’t wait to make this for my party!
Are these crunchy or soft when done and cooled?
How do you know when they are done baking?
Laura,
As far as to know if they are done if they are firm to the touch (finger does not indent) and a very light brown ring. When stored in an airtight container these have a slightly soft center but are firm/crunchy on the outside. I hope this answers your questions. Let us know.
We’re so excited to add these to our cookie boxes this year! So pretty!
Elaine and James,
Thank you so much! We love them. Merry Christmas!
Dina and Bruce
Elaine and James,
We are so excited you are adding these! Merry Christmas!
Dina and Bruce
Hope you enjoy!
My favorite cookie from my youth…but…how much chocolate did you add?
Hello,
Thank you for your response! We just added that into the recipe: 4 0z. of melted chocolate chips. We used milk chocolate because I like that, but you can use semi sweet! Thank you so much for your time to let us know this! We hope you make the and enjoy them as much as we do! Happy holidays!
Bruce and Dina