Christmas Treats: Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels

christmas treats: cranberry Pecan pinwheels

• 1 1/2 C. flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 C. butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 C. sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 C. finely chopped fresh cranberries
• 1/2 C. finely chopped pecans
• 1 Tbsp. freshly grated orange zest

In a bowl, combine the first three dry ingredients.  Set aside.

Next, cream the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla together.  Add dry ingredients until mixture forms a dough.  Refrigerate one hour or more.

In a small bowl, combine cranberries, pecans and orange zest.

On a floured surface, roll the dough to a 10″ square.  Sprinkle the cranberry/pecan mixture onto the dough, leaving about an inch on each of the ends.  Press into dough slightly, then roll in a jelly-roll fashion.  Wrap in wax paper and freeze 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375.  Slice the dough in 1/4″ rounds and place on a parchment-covered cookie sheet.  Bake approximately 13-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

Yield:  24-30 cookies

Via Star Tribune submitted by Annette Poole of Prior Lake, MN.