No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, especially when it's wrapped into a sweet, creamy pinwheel. These no-bake treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. They're quick, easy, and fun to make—perfect for little hands if you want to involve the kids!

The first time I made these, I was looking for a dessert that didn’t require any baking or fancy equipment. With just a few pantry staples, I whipped up a batch, and they were an instant hit. Let's dive into why you'll adore these bite-sized delights!

Why You'll Love These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels

Get ready to fall in love with the easiest treat you'll ever make. These no-bake pinwheels are a delicious blend of chocolatey sweetness and creamy peanut butter goodness, wrapped into a swirled slice of perfection.

• No Oven Required: Whether it's the heat of summer or you're just short on time, these pinwheels save you the hassle of baking while still delivering a homemade dessert.
• Quick and Simple: With just 15 minutes of prep time and no special skills required, you’ll have a dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make.
• Customizable for Any Occasion: You can swap out the fillings, add sprinkles, or even dip them in chocolate to suit your preferences or match a party theme.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling out the dough and creating the swirls is a fun, hands-on activity that little ones will love helping with. Plus, there’s no sharp tools or hot ovens involved.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a dessert that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, but let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.

• Powdered Sugar: This is the key to creating a sweet, smooth dough that holds its shape without crumbling. It’s also what keeps this recipe wonderfully no-bake.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for achieving that silky texture. If you're a fan of chunky, feel free to use it for a bit of crunch, but the rolling process might be trickier.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient brings a rich, chocolatey flavor without adding extra sugar. For a milder taste, you could substitute with sweetened cocoa mix.
• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a pliable dough. Use unsalted to avoid an overly salty dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch enhances the overall flavor, making the chocolate and peanut butter pop.

Special equipment is minimal. All you need is a rolling pin, parchment paper, and a flat surface to work on.

How To Make These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels

Creating these swirled bites of heaven is as simple as mixing, rolling, and slicing. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Make the Chocolate Dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ cup melted butter. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, pliable dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the texture is just right.
2. Roll It Out: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform pinwheels.
3. Spread the Peanut Butter Filling: Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and spread ½ cup creamy peanut butter evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
4. Roll It Up: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll, pulling it back as you go to keep everything neat.
5. Chill and Slice: Wrap the log in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into pinwheels about ½-inch thick.

In under 90 minutes (including chill time), you’ll have a batch of perfectly swirled pinwheels ready to impress!

Storage Options

These no-bake pinwheels are as convenient to store as they are to make. Here's how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The cool temperature keeps the peanut butter filling firm and the chocolate dough intact.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to 2 months.
• Room Temperature: If serving at a party, the pinwheels can stay at room temperature for about 2 hours. Beyond that, they may start to soften.

To serve, let refrigerated or frozen pinwheels sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill.

Variations and Substitutions

The flexibility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Nut-Free Option: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a completely nut-free treat.
• Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut over the peanut butter before rolling up the dough.
• Flavored Fillings: Try using hazelnut spread, caramel sauce, or a fruit jam in place of the peanut butter for a fun twist.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter substitute and a dairy-free cocoa powder to make these pinwheels completely vegan.
• Festive Flair: Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to the filling before rolling for a party-ready treat that kids will love.

Don't be afraid to experiment—this recipe is your blank canvas for creativity!

With their beautiful swirls and irresistible flavor, these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick snack, or a holiday treat, these pinwheels deliver big on flavor and fun. Ready to get rolling?

Print