Orange Chocolate Pinwheels

Makes 40

 

¾ cup butter, softened

2 ½ cups all-purpose unbleached flour, plus extra for dusting

1 ½ generous cups fine sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 oz dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

Zest of 1 orange

Allow extra time to chill the dough before making these cookies.

 

1.  Lightly grease several cookie sheets, or spray with non-stick spray.

 

2.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining butter and sugar, until light and fluffy.

 

3.  Gradually add the beaten egg to the creamed mixture, beating thoroughly. 

 

4.  Sift the remaining flour into the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.

 

5.  Transfer half of the dough to another bowl and beat in the cooled melted chocolate.

 

6.  Stir in the grated lemon zest into the other half of plain dough. 

 

7.  On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 2 pieces of dough to form 2 rectangles of the same size.  You can roll each dough between parchment paper to make it easier and smooth. 

 

8.  Lay the orange dough on top of the chocolate dough.  Roll up the dough tightly into a log.  Cover with parchment paper or wax paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.   During the end of this chilling, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

 

9.  Dough should be firm enough to slice.  Cut the roll into about 40 slices.  Place the slices on greased cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.  These cookies are delicious and look impressive.  Enjoy!