This not-too-sweet shortbread spiral cookie features doughs made from chocolate and sesame.
Carson Downing
Fans of traditional shortbread cookies and desserts that aren’ttoosugary will love this Benne Chocolate Pinwheel Cookie recipe.
What Is Benne?
Credit:Carson Downing
These seeds have less oil and are more aromatic, with nutty and burnt honey notes.
Find the seeds and benne flour (aka bennecake flour) atAnson Millsand some specialty spice retailers.
If can’t find it, substitute natural almond flour (made from unblanched almonds) for benne flour.
Credit:Carson Downing
Add 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup powdered sugar, and benne flour.
Mix on low until combined.
Test Kitchen Tip: The food processor is an excellent method for preparing the two doughs.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Combine dough ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
Cover and process until the dough comes together.
Keep covered with waxed paper; set aside while making chocolate shortbread dough.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Add 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup powdered sugar, the cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix on low until combined.
Preheat oven to 325F.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Remove the top piece of waxed paper from both pieces of dough.
Press down gently with rolling pin to help the doughs adhere together.
Remove top piece of waxed paper.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Dough may crack as you roll; don’t worrysimply work the crack back together with your fingers.
Roll get in benne seeds.
Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper; chill 1 to 2 hours until firm.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Dough may crack as you roll; don’t worrysimply work the crack back together with your fingers.
Roll jump in benne seeds.
Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper; chill 1 to 2 hours until firm.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Using a sharp knife, cut into 28 to 30 slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
Place slices about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake until edges are set and still soft to the touch, 15 to 18 minutes.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
The cookies don’t shrink.
Look for the lighter-color dough to turn a warm brown.
There might be a little cracking.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
They should be soft to the touch and will crisp up when cool.
If they are crisp in the oven, they are overbaked.
