Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy

Do you love peanut butter? This peanut butter pinwheel candy recipe is made with potatoes and powdered sugar, so they're a little different than your typical candy. But don't let that scare you off! They're addicting and delicious and something you have to try to believe.

Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy

When people hear what the secret ingredient in these candies is, they tend to think no way and want nothing to do with them. Not only is the potato essential it makes for a delicious and easy treat. This recipe is something you have to make, either for a party or a get-together, to give as a gift, or just because you absolutely love peanut butter.

In our house, peanut butter is used every day in some way or another. From making vegan chocolate peanut butter balls to a simple creamy nut butter dip for vegetables, I always grab the peanut butter in the grocery store. This sweet treat is another fun and unique way to add it to your menu without having to worry about baking treats like these peanut butter blossom cookies.

Can I Use Chunky Peanut Butter in Pinwheels?

Creamy peanut butter is called for in this recipe because it makes for a creamy and smooth texture that is classic with this dessert. This candy has been compared to peanut butter fudge so the pieces of peanut will definitely take away from that.

However, if you really wanted to use crunchy peanut butter you could use it. It will change the pinwheels but it is sure to still taste great. I would make sure that you do not make a large layer for the filling if you are using chunky peanut butter because the size of the peanuts will be too big.

Does This Peanut Butter Candy Use Potatoes

People are always surprised when they read the ingredients of this candy. It seems like it would be a strange vegetable to use for making anything sweet at all, let alone peanut butter pinwheel candies.

However, potatoes are essential in making them. Honestly, you can't make them without the potatoes. The potatoes work as the binding agent in the candy dough and hold the whole thing together, without adding extra sweetness to the candy. Don't worry, you won't taste the potato flavor.

So, yes, it does require potatoes, and those are actually the biggest part of the recipe that binds the mixture and creates a tasty dough.

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes to Make These?

The answer depends upon what you seasoned your mashed potatoes with when making them originally. Ideally, you will be using a plain potato that has been cooked and mashed with no butter or seasonings. If you want to use leftovers from last night's dinner, I just wouldn't recommend it.

Just pop a potato into the microwave to "bake" it then scoop the potato out of the skin for this recipe. It's fast and easy to manage.

Can I Use Instant Potatoes Instead?

While it could be used, it won't work as well and will tend to have a looser dough requiring more powdered sugar. This results in a dough that isn't as tasty and can be overly sweet. So, while it could be done in a pinch, I do not recommend this.

Does This Have to Be Refrigerated?

You will want to store this candy in the refrigerator due to the butter in the mixture having the potential to spoil if at higher heat on the counter. Place the candy in the refrigerator whenever you are not serving it. Keep the candies in an airtight container for the best results.

How Long is Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy Good For?

Peanut butter pinwheel candies will last for about a week when stored properly. You want to make sure to keep them stored in the refrigerator or else the candies will spoil the first day.

Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes
• Salted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Peanut butter

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer
• Spatula

How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Beat until combined.

Add the remaining powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until all sugar has been added and a thickened dough is formed.

Stir in the vanilla extract, then cover and refrigerate the filling for 1 hour.

Divide the chilled dough into 2 portions, and take one portion at a time and place onto a clean surface then dust both sides with powdered sugar.

Roll the dough into a rectangle until it is ¼" thick, adding powdered sugar in small pinches if the rolling pin sticks to the dough.

Spread ½ of the peanut butter onto the dough, leaving ½" to 1" around the edges without peanut butter.

Starting closet to yourself with the longest side, roll away tucking in closely until a rolled log has formed.

Cut into slices ½" thick.

Repeat this process with the second portion of "dough".

Serve immediately.

Tips for Rolling Pinwheels

While these candies are very easy to make there are a few things that can help make it stay that way.

• Use Fresh Potatoes. Do not use leftover mashed potatoes. You don't want anything in the potatoes. Leftover mashed potatoes often have milk or cream, butter, salt and pepper added. You don't want these things in the candies. Start with your russet potatoes and after you have boiled them, mash them.
• Make Sure the Potatoes are Cooled. Also, do not place the potatoes in the refrigerator. This will cause condensation that will make the dough runny. If the potatoes are still hot when you start to make the dough, it will melt the sugar.
• Refrigerate the Dough. When you have made the dough, you want to refrigerate it before you start to work with it. This is because otherwise it will not be firm and will be too sticky to make the pinwheels.
• Don't Roll It Too Thin. When you are rolling out the pinwheels make sure it isn't too thin. This will make it hard to roll and hard to form the dough. Another thing about the layers is to make sure not to make the layer of peanut butter too thick.

More No Bake Desserts

If you want a sweet treat but don't want to turn the oven on, you can easily make one of these tasty treats! I love knowing there are so many tasty no-bake options that suit my cravings! Below are a few favorites for you to bookmark, pin, or print to make soon!

• Easy No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe
• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
• Decadent No Bake Chocolate Coconut Truffle Balls
• No-Bake S'Mores Dip Dessert Cheese Ball
• Creamy No-Bake Coconut Layer Cake Recipe

Continue to Content

📖 Recipe

Yield: 24

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy

Print

Use the magical secret ingredient of mashed potatoes to make this delicious old-fashioned peanut butter pinwheel candy as a sweet treat everyone loves!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup salted butter, room temperature
• 6 cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup peanut butter (more or less to preferences)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Beat until combined.
2. Add the remaining powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until all sugar has been added and a thickened dough is formed.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then cover and refrigerate the filling for 1 hour.
4. Divide the chilled dough into 2 portions, and take one portion at a time and place onto a clean surface then dust both sides with powdered sugar.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle until it is ¼" thick, adding powdered sugar in small pinches if the rolling pin sticks to the dough.
6. Spread ½ of the peanut butter onto the dough, leaving ½" to 1" around the edges without peanut butter.
7. Starting closet to yourself with the longest side, roll away tucking in closely until a rolled log has formed.
8. Cut into slices ½" thick.
9. Repeat this process with the second portion of "dough".
10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a slightly different flavor in the end result.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 178Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 27gProtein: 1g