Cook the fig paste until no liquid pools when stirred; a wet filling can separate the pinwheel layers.
A thin layer of cooked fig and orange paste spirals through a slice-and-bake dough for neat, fruit-filled holiday pinwheels.
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Fig Orange Pinwheel Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- saucepan
- fork or masher
- mixer
- rolling pin
- parchment
- knife
- baking sheets
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Simmer figs and orange juice 8–10 minutes until soft; mash to a thick paste and cool completely.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Mix butter, sugar, flour and salt into a dough; roll between parchment to a 10-by-12-inch rectangle.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Spread a thin fig layer, leaving a 1/2-inch edge, then roll from the long side.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Wrap and chill 2 hours.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Slice 24 rounds and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 16–19 minutes; cool on the sheets.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Cool the cooked filling fully before spreading it on the butter dough.
Technique & texture
Use parchment to roll the log evenly without adding bench flour.
Finishing & serving
Turn the log a quarter turn between cuts to keep slices round.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 4 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 4 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | Refrigeration is not needed after baking. it can soften the spirals. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze the wrapped unbaked log up to 1 month. thaw until sliceable in the refrigerator. |
| Baked freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze baked cookies airtight up to 1 month. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered. serve at room temperature for the best crumb. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fig jam?
Use a thick, low-moisture jam and spread it very thinly; runny preserves can unroll the dough.
Why chill the log so long?
A firm log slices cleanly without squashing its spiral.
Can the dough be sliced ahead?
Yes; arrange slices on a tray, cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.
