Name: Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (sifted); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; Red crystal sugar sprinkles for rolling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 88 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the charming elegance and delightful flavors of classic French pastries, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. These cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many for their perfect swirl of vanilla and chocolate dough, dusted with sparkling red sugar sprinkles that make every bite visually captivating and delicious. They’re buttery, tender, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cookie cravings without overwhelming you. Getting these cookies right is like bringing a little bit of that timeless patisserie magic right into your own kitchen.

The image shows a black baking tray on a white marbled surface, holding nine small bowls and containers with different ingredients arranged neatly. Starting from the top left, there is a medium white bowl filled with white flour, next to it a small clear bowl containing brown sugar, followed by a medium white bowl with a stick of butter. Below, to the left, a glass jar with red sprinkles, a small silver bowl of white salt, a small silver bowl of baking powder, a small glass bowl of vanilla extract, a small silver bowl of brown cinnamon powder, a small glass bowl holding one white egg shell, and a medium white bowl of white sugar. On the far right edge on the surface, a glass bowl contains melted butter with a brush resting inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward baking success, and with this recipe, the list is simple but thoughtfully curated. Every ingredient plays a pivotal role: butter for richness, sugars for sweetness and moisture, vanilla for aromatic warmth, and of course, cocoa powder for that irresistible chocolate swirl.

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The base that gives these cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness and helps with that lovely crumb.
¼ cup packed brown sugar: Imparts a subtle caramel flavor and extra moisture.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, inviting flavor in every bite.
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie, providing that perfect balance of soft and sturdy.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Keeps your cookies just light enough without puffing too much.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Creates the luscious dark swirl and chocolate flavor contrast.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a truly balanced cookie.
1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash: Gives the cookies a gorgeous golden shine and helps the sprinkles stick.
Red crystal sugar sprinkles: Adds festive color and a delicate crunch on the outside.

How to Make Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your butter until it’s perfectly spreadable, a little warmth goes a long way here. Using a hand mixer, cream the butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This step is key to creating a tender, airy dough that bakes beautifully.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat the egg and vanilla into the creamy sugar mixture until fully incorporated. This will infuse your dough with richness and that classic homemade cookie flavor everyone loves.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the raising agent and seasoning. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter, being careful not to overwork the dough—once everything is combined, it’s time to move on.

Step 4: Divide and Flavor the Dough

Separate the dough into two equal parts. To one half, sift in the cocoa powder and fold it gently until the chocolate dough is uniform and smooth. This dual dough approach creates the iconic pinwheel look and lovely interplay of flavors.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into Rectangles

Roll each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper to form thin 6 by 5-inch rectangles. Rolling the dough evenly ensures your final cookies have that perfect swirl and bake consistently.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill the Dough Log

Carefully stack the chocolate dough rectangle on top of the vanilla one, then roll them both up tightly into a log shape using the wax paper to help. Refrigerate this dough log for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up—this step is crucial for those neat, clean pinwheels when slicing.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the chilled dough log with an egg wash made from one egg and a tablespoon of water. Roll the log in a plate of red crystal sugar sprinkles for a festive, sparkly finish.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 1-inch thick slices. Place these cut rounds onto your lined baking sheet with enough space for them to spread a little. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

How to Serve Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

A close-up image of a rolled dessert that has four visible layers: a shiny bright red textured outer layer sprinkled with fine red glitter, a thin smooth white layer beneath it, a thick dark brown middle layer with a soft, smooth texture, and small white nut pieces embedded inside the dark brown layer. The roll lies on a white marbled surface scattered with red glitter. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the red sugar sprinkles add that perfect touch of color and crunch, you can also dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence and holiday flair.

Side Dishes

These pinwheel cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a more festive snack, serve alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, stack these cookies in clear cello bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray. Because of their distinct swirl and cheerful red sprinkle coating, they make a centerpiece-worthy treat all on their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and tender. Layering with parchment paper prevents sticking and preserves their beautiful shape.

Freezing

You can freeze the sliced cookie dough log before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and continue as usual.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up cookie leftovers, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookies slightly and brings back that just-baked aroma and taste.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best authentic flavor and texture of this Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe, butter is recommended. Margarine may alter the rich taste and tender crumb.

What if I don't have cocoa powder?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for the chocolate portion of the dough. If you don’t have it on hand, you could try melting chocolate and folding it in, but it may change the texture and require recipe adjustments.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum, you can adapt this Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe. Baking times and texture may vary slightly.

Why do I need to chill the dough log for 2 hours?

Chilling firms the dough to make slicing easier and helps maintain the distinct pinwheel pattern. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How do I ensure the swirl stays intact after baking?

Rolling the dough tightly and chilling well are the secrets. Also, slice the log evenly and handle the slices gently when placing on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The promise of those swirled flavors combined with the festive sparkle makes baking these cookies as joyful as eating them. So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to spread some sweet happiness straight from your own kitchen!

Copycat Maurice Lennel Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need