Pandoro Swirl Rolls: Bring these delicious treats to the table this Christmas!

Snowy evenings and the scent of cocoa belong together, and these Pandoro Swirl Rolls turn that feeling into a handheld holiday treat. Fluffy slices of pandoro are flattened, filled with hazelnut–mascarpone cream, rolled into pretty spirals, then sealed with glossy dark chocolate. These rolls are great for after-dinner coffee, a Christmas dessert platter, or as a thoughtful edible gift.

It is sweet but not cloying, creamy yet light, and people who love tiramisu, chocolate-hazelnut spreads, or classic Italian desserts will find these irresistible. Serve them as petit fours for a party, tuck them into stockings, or place them on a dessert board alongside biscotti and candied citrus.

What are Pandoro Swirl Rolls?

Pandoro Swirl Rolls are an assembly-style dessert made by transforming pandoro into rolled pinwheels. This snack originates from Italy’s holiday baking tradition, as pandoro itself hails from Verona. This riff uses the cake’s tender crumb and pairs it with rich, nutty fillings to create elegant slices that look far fancier than the work involved.

Pro Tips for the Best Pandoro Swirl Rolls

• Use slightly stale pandoro that is 1-3 days old if you can, as it’s easier to flatten and holds the filling better. If it’s very fresh, let it rest uncovered for a couple of hours to dry slightly.
• When flattening the pandoro slices, you can protect them with parchment or plastic wrap to avoid tearing. Gentle, even pressure with the rolling pin is the secret.
• Use a serrated knife and a sawing motion when slicing the chilled rolls to prevent squashing the spirals.
• Melt the chocolate gently in the microwave and stir between bursts to avoid graininess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pandoro should I use?

A standard grocery-store pandoro, such as a sliced pandoro loaf, is perfect. Your recipe calls for 4-5 slices, cut about 2cm thick, which yields roughly 16 rolls.

Can I use panettone instead of pandoro?

Yes, but panettone has more inclusions (candied fruit, raisins) and a different crumb. It will taste great, but change the appearance of the swirl. If you use panettone, remove any large fruit chunks and flatten carefully.

Can I freeze the assembled rolls?

Yes, freeze the rolled logs before slicing, and wrap them tightly in plastic, up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and dipping in chocolate. Freezing after dipping is possible, but the chocolate may develop slight bloom, which is white streaks on thawing. It is still tasty, but less glossy.

How to Store Pandoro Swirl Rolls

Stored in an airtight container, Pandoro Swirl Rolls keep well for 3-4 days. The cream softens the cake over time, so it’s best within 48 hours for optimal texture.

How to Make Pandoro Swirl Rolls

Step 1

Step 1

Use an electric mixer to whip them until creamy.

In a large bowl, add the mascarpone and the hazelnut cream.

Step 2

Step 2

Cut the pandoro into slices about 2cm thick with a bread knife

Use an electric mixer to whip them until creamy.

Step 3

Step 3

Remove the crust at the base of each slice.

Cut the pandoro into slices about 2cm thick with a bread knife

Step 4

Step 4

Gently flatten each pandoro with a rolling pin using even pressure.

Remove the crust at the base of each slice.

Step 5

Step 5

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the mascarpone-hazelnut cream down the center, avoiding the edges so the filling won’t squeeze out.

Gently flatten each pandoro with a rolling pin using even pressure.

Step 6

Step 6

Starting from one short edge, roll the slice tightly but gently into a log. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for about 20 minutes.

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the mascarpone-hazelnut cream down the center, avoiding the edges so the filling won’t squeeze out.

Step 7

Step 7

Remove the logs from the freezer and cut them into rounds about 3cm thick.

Starting from one short edge, roll the slice tightly but gently into a log. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for about 20 minutes.

Step 8

Step 8

Dip the base into the melted dark chocolate so the bottom gets a neat chocolate coat and tap off any excess gently.

Remove the logs from the freezer and cut them into rounds about 3cm thick.

Step 9

Step 9

Arrange the Pandoro Swirl Rolls on a platter and enjoy with coffee, dessert wine, or hot chocolate.

Dip the base into the melted dark chocolate so the bottom gets a neat chocolate coat and tap off any excess gently.

Step 10

Step 10

Place the rolls chocolate-side up on a rack with parchment paper so the chocolate sets without sticking.

Step 11

Step 11

Arrange the Pandoro Swirl Rolls on a platter and enjoy with coffee, dessert wine, or hot chocolate.