Chocolate Coconut Pinwheels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pc. egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening and butter until softened.
2. Add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until fluffy.
3. Add milk, egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat until well mixed.
5. Divide dough in half and chill 2-3 hours or until easy to handle.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
7. Mix softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Stir in the coconut.
8. Roll each half of the dough into a 10-inch square. Cut each square into 16 x 2 1/2-inch squares.
9. Place 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cut 1-inch slits from each corner to center of square.
10. Drop a level teaspoon of the coconut mixture onto each center.
11. Sprinkle chopped nuts in the center and firmly press to seal.
12. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm and cookies are slightly puffed.
13. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then remove and cool thoroughly on rack.