Description
Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy is a nostalgic American dessert passed down through generations, featuring a unique dough made with mashed potatoes and powdered sugar, rolled with creamy peanut butter filling. These bite-sized pinwheels offer a sweet and rich treat that’s perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- ⅓ cup mashed potatoes (about 1 large russet potato)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 6-7 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting
Filling
- Creamy peanut butter, for spreading
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato: Peel, dice, and boil the russet potato until tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and mash well, ideally using a potato ricer for a smooth texture. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cooled mashed potatoes with softened butter, vanilla extract, salt, and 1 cup of powdered sugar using a hand mixer until combined.
- Add Sugar to Form Dough: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach about 6 cups total. If the mixture is still sticky and cannot form a ball, continue adding powdered sugar until the dough is firm and moldable.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Divide and Roll Out: Remove dough from the refrigerator and divide into two equal portions. Wrap one portion and return it to the fridge. Lightly dust a clean surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar, then roll out the other dough piece into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle, dusting as needed to prevent sticking.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Evenly spread a layer of creamy peanut butter over the rolled dough, leaving a small border of dough uncovered around the edges.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough from the longer side into a tight log, ensuring the peanut butter stays inside.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pieces to create individual pinwheels.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat rolling, filling, rolling, and slicing with the second half of the dough. Serve immediately or store refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 40 pinwheels.
- The unique use of mashed potatoes in the dough gives the candy a soft texture and helps hold the sugar together.
- Using powdered sugar generously when rolling prevents sticking and ensures smooth rolling.
- Pinwheels are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and texture.
- For a firmer dough, add extra powdered sugar as needed during mixing.
- Originally posted November 30, 2018; updated October 24, 2024.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American