Italian Fig Pinwheels

Italian Fig Pinwheels Recipe

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped dried figs
• 1/3 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup orange juice

1. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter for 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar and baking powder and beat until combined.
3. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until well mixed.
4. Beat in as much flour as possible with the mixer and stir in any remaining flour using a wooden spoon.
5. Cover and chill the dough for about an hour, making it easier to handle.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the fig filling. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the figs, marmalade and orange juice just until boiling; remove from heat and set aside to cool.
7. Remove dough from refrigerator and divide in half.
8. Roll half the dough into a 10x8-inch rectangle, between pieces of waxed paper.
9. Spread half the fig filling over dough to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
10. Starting with the short side, carefully roll up dough, using the waxed paper to lift and guide the roll.
11. Moisten edges of the roll and pinch to seal.
12. Wrap rolled dough in plastic wrap and chill for 4 to 24 hours, until firm enought to slice.
13. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
14. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375F degrees.
15. Line cookie sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil, or use a silpat baking sheet.
16. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch thick slices and place slices onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
17. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned.
18. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

This recipe yields about 4 1/2 dozen Italian Fig Pinwheels.

For best flavor, we recommend using the highest quality marmalade and fresh squeezed orange juice.