The Short Answer
Whether or not you should heat up pinwheels depends on a few factors. In general, briefly warming pinwheels in the oven or microwave can help make the dough easier to roll and shape if it has gotten too firm. However, prolonged heating or very high temperatures can cause the dough to melt or get soggy. Most recipes advise letting pinwheel dough come to room temperature before working with it, rather than actually heating it up.
What Are Pinwheels?
Pinwheels are a fun and easy appetizer or snack made by rolling up a sheet of filled dough into a log, slicing it, and shaping the slices into spirals or “pinwheels.” Some common pinwheel fillings include:
- Cream cheese, herbs, and cured meats
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Jams, preserves, or fruit purees
- Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach and feta
The dough used for pinwheels can be pie crust, puff pastry, croissant dough, or even pizza dough. The filling is spread on the dough which is then rolled up jelly-roll style before slicing.
Should You Heat Up Pinwheel Dough?
Heating up pinwheel dough before assembling and slicing can help make the dough more pliable and easier to roll up, which gives you nicely shaped pinwheels. However, there are a few cautions about heating pinwheel dough:
- Only heat briefly – Prolonged heating or very high heat can cause the dough layers to melt together or get soggy.
- Watch the filling – Things like cream cheese, chocolate, and fruit fillings can get runny or oozy if overheated.
- Let it cool – If heated, let the dough cool back down before trying to roll and shape.
- Don’t overwork – The dough becomes less workable the more its handled, even when warm.
Here are some heating options and tips for pinwheel dough:
Microwave
- Zap in 5-10 second intervals just until pliable, not hot.
- Keep a close eye to prevent overheating.
- Let stand 2-3 minutes before working dough.
Oven
- Bake at 200°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Wrap dough in plastic if edges start to dry out.
- Let dough rest on counter for 5+ minutes after warming.
Room Temperature
- Allow refrigerated dough to sit out until softened, about 20-30 minutes.
- Repeatedly roll and stretch dough with a rolling pin to increase pliability.
- Place on a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper if sticking to work surface.
Tips for Rolling and Shaping Pinwheels
Once your dough is a workable consistency, here are some tips for rolling and cutting perfect pinwheels:
- Roll out dough into a rectangle to desired thickness.
- Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Gently roll up dough like a jelly roll, starting at long side.
- Wrap log in plastic and refrigerate 30-60 minutes to firm up.
- Trim ends; cut log into 1/2 inch slices.
- Gently shape each slice into a spiral.
Troubleshooting Pinwheel Dough
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dough is too sticky | Lightly dust with flour or cornstarch |
| Filling is oozing out | Chill dough before slicing or use thicker dough |
| Pinwheels won’t stay rolled | Chill longer before slicing or use a binding agent like egg wash |
| Edges drying out | Keep dough covered with plastic wrap or damp towel |
| Pinwheels come unrolled | Slice thinner or chill completely before serving |
Storing and Serving Pinwheels
Storage
Wrap shaped, unbaked pinwheels:
- Individually in plastic wrap to freeze, up to 2 months.
- All together in a covered container or bag, 3-5 days in fridge.
Cover baked pinwheels in an airtight container, 2-3 days at room temp or up to 1 week refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange baked pinwheels on a platter for appetizers or parties.
- Pack in school lunches instead of sandwiches.
- Top with icing and sprinkles for a sweet dessert pinwheel.
- Skewer with toothpicks for a fun presentation.
Conclusion
While you can briefly heat pinwheel dough to increase pliability, prolonged or high heat can make the dough soggy and ruin the layers. Letting refrigerated dough come to room temperature before rolling is usually sufficient. Handle the dough gently, keep it covered to prevent drying, and chill rolled pinwheels before slicing and baking for best results. With the right techniques, pinwheels can be a tasty and eye-catching addition to any occasion.