A No-Bake Candy Classic
Some treats just never go out of style—and Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels are one of those time-honored, passed-down, sweet little treasures. Made with a simple dough of mashed potatoes and powdered sugar, these swirl into soft, sweet candies with a creamy peanut butter center.
This recipe has that vintage charm we all love—easy ingredients, no baking, and big payoff in every bite. I love these pinwheels because they’re surprisingly simple, great for gifting, and taste like something from an old-school candy shop.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Wait… mashed potatoes in candy?
Yes! It might sound odd, but mashed potatoes act as a neutral, starchy base that helps create the dough. You won’t taste them at all.
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
You can, but for best results, use plain mashed potatoes with no butter, milk, or seasonings—just boiled and mashed.
Q: Can I use other nut butters?
Absolutely! Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Q: How long do they last?
Store in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Just be sure your sugar and peanut butter are vegan-friendly, and the mashed potato base is plain.
What You Need to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels
- ½ cup plain mashed potatoes (completely cooled)
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes and vanilla extract (if using).
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. It should feel like sugar cookie dough.
Step 2: Roll It Out
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment or wax paper.
- Roll into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
- Remove the top sheet of paper and spread peanut butter evenly over the dough. Leave a ¼-inch border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll & Chill
- Carefully roll up the dough jelly-roll style, using the paper to help lift and guide it.
- Wrap the roll tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Slice into ½-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
- Serve cold or at room temp for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Pinwheels
✔ Use completely cooled mashed potatoes — warm ones will melt the sugar and make the dough sticky.
✔ Start slow with the sugar — add just enough until the dough holds together well.
✔ Chill before slicing — it firms up the roll and keeps those pretty spirals intact.
✔ Try different fillings — Nutella, cookie butter, or flavored peanut butters add fun twists!
✔ Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for an old-fashioned candy-shop look.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “These taste just like my grandma’s! I never knew mashed potatoes were the secret. So good and easy!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “We made them with almond butter and they turned out amazing. Great texture, sweet but not too much.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “A hit with the kids! We made a double batch for holiday treats and they disappeared fast.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Super simple to make and very nostalgic. They remind me of old-fashioned church potlucks.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Didn’t think I’d love a potato candy but wow! It melts in your mouth and the swirl looks so cute.”
Printable Recipe
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain mashed potatoes (completely cooled)
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes and vanilla extract (if using).
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. It should feel like sugar cookie dough.
Step 2: Roll It Out
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment or wax paper.
- Roll into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
- Remove the top sheet of paper and spread peanut butter evenly over the dough. Leave a ¼-inch border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll & Chill
- Carefully roll up the dough jelly-roll style, using the paper to help lift and guide it.
- Wrap the roll tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Slice into ½-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
- Serve cold or at room temp for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If these Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pinwheels made your sweet tooth happy, don’t keep them a secret! Share them with friends, pin them for holiday gift ideas, or post a picture online. Be sure to tag your creations with #funcraftykitchen—I’d love to see your swirl!
