chocolate pinwheels

These cookies are a beautiful twist on the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies. It can be helpful to have a friend around when you are making the cookies, particularly for spreading the melted chocolate and rolling the dough. Experiment with different knives when you cut the dough. If the pinwheels separate a little, press them back together. They will form together when they bake.

CHOCOLATE PINWHEELS (makes 9 dozen)
from Taste of Home

dough:
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt

filling:
2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter
¼ tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

CREAM butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Combine dry ingredients; beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half; place each half between two sheets of waxed paper. Roll into 12 in x 10 in rectangles. Chill until almost firm, about 30 minutes.

MELT melt chips and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add vanilla and salt; mix well. Spread over dough. Carefully roll up each rectangle into a tight jelly roll; wrap in waxed paper. Place in a paper towel roll, sliced open lengthwise. Chill for 2 hours or until firm.

CUT into 1/8in slices with a sharp thin knife; place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.