Round and Round We Go

In the summer of 1979, I traveled across (most of) the country in a bus with the Youth Symphony of the United States. It was a fantastic experience, and one of the final performances we gave on tour was at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. I was selected to perform the Concerto for Double Bass by Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf. My (proud) parents came down from Philadelphia for the performance and we dined beforehand at the renowned (infamous?) Watergate Hotel, adjacent to the concert hall.

One of my favorite memories after our dress rehearsal was going to the Watergate Pastry Shop on the lower level of the hotel. Apparently, it is still in business (since 1966). My favorite cookies there were the Chocolate Swirl Butter Cookies — slightly sweet with just a hint of cocoa. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to replicate them, but this version keeps the memory alive.

~ David

29 Comments

  1. Susan Manfull

    June 10, 2023 at 5:07 am

    Wonderful memory ~ thanks for sharing what led you to the Watergate and these delicious cookies!
    Can the dough be frozen? Or, is it better to make all the cookies and freeze some? (They look dangerously good!)

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 10, 2023 at 7:16 am

      Thanks, Susan! Yes, the dough freezes well. I baked half a batch and froze the other.

      Thanks for asking this — I will add it to the recipe!

      Reply
  2. Carolyne

    June 10, 2023 at 6:53 am

    A great story and perfect sweet treat

    Reply
  3. Fran @ G'day Souffle

    June 10, 2023 at 8:01 am

    After seeing your recipe, I could kick myself! I posted a similar recipe years ago (Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Cookies), except your spiral design came out a lot cleaner than mine (my spirals were wobbly looking). Then I noticed that your recipe was a lot simpler- I wound up making two separate batches of dough (vanilla and chocolate) while you made one batch and then separated the two flavors. Now I feel like making another batch and then re-photographing it! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 10, 2023 at 9:37 am

      Thanks, Fran. I really thought I could’ve done better with the swirl, but maybe next time! Let’s keep each other posted over time…

      Reply
  4. Mad Dog

    June 10, 2023 at 8:24 am

    That sounds fantastic – playing the Concerto and dining at the Watergate Hotel!
    Those cookies look fabulous, almost like slices of Swiss Roll!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 10, 2023 at 9:38 am

      Gosh, it does look like a Swiss roll! It was a really great summer in my life, MD, and it was fun, going back over photos and programs.

      Reply
  5. Eha

    June 10, 2023 at 3:58 pm

    Oh David – I may not be rushing into the kitchen to bake the biscuits but I thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful memory . . . I have oft wondered whether you still play for your own and others pleasure . . . And, on a very different note I am just delighted by your romantic whimsy of the mise en place 🙂 !

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 11, 2023 at 7:29 am

      I don’t play any longer, Eha. I donated my bass to my alma mater so that a student from abroad could used it without having to spend thousands of dollars transporting theirs to the US.

      Glad you like the set up photo. It was fun!

      Reply
  6. sherry

    June 10, 2023 at 9:15 pm

    they look so pretty David. There’s just something about a good swirl 🙂 What wonderful memories you have of your musical endeavours too. I was just reading a post by Nancy of Dreams of sourdough blog and she had made a choc swirly loaf. Must be in the ether…

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 11, 2023 at 7:31 am

      Hmmm – chocolate swirl sourdough loaf. Fascinating. Yep, I think it’s in the ether! Glad you like the cookies and the story, Sherry.

      Reply
  7. angiesrecipes

    June 11, 2023 at 2:37 am

    They look buttery and literally melt in mouth. I usually bake this kind of cookies during the holiday season and now you have me crave some in this hot summer time, David. I love those cute measuring spoons too.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 11, 2023 at 7:32 am

      I really never thought about the seasonality of cookies before, Angie (though I know holiday cookies are a big thing). I tend to make them more in the summer because a cookie or two is a nice light dessert in our hot desert nights.

      Reply
  8. Jeff the Chef

    June 11, 2023 at 7:35 am

    Such a classic cookie! It would make a great simple dessert, and would be so easy to make ahead. Also a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter. I’ll keep it in mind for that. What a great trip that orchestral tour must have been, and how amazing to have been able to play a concerto at the Kennedy Center!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 11, 2023 at 7:39 am

      That is indeed one of the benefits of this cookie… it is easy to make an advance, and have them ready for the future. Sometimes, I will slice and bake just a few of the time (so I don’t eat the entire tray).

      The first time I played the concerto on the tour was in Chicago, Jeff. No place special, but it was a lot of fun.

      Reply
  9. Ronit Penso

    June 11, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    Such a heart warming story!
    These cookies are so whimsical and tasty. I’ve been making a version of these for many years, and they’re always loved by all. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:59 pm

      How could they not be loved? Butter and sugar and chocolate?

      Reply
  10. Gerlinde de Broekert

    June 11, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    What a great story David. I enjoyed reading it and I am sure I would love those good looking cookies,

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:57 pm

      They are really nice and buttery, Gerlinde – they remind me of cookies I had in Germany.

      Reply
  11. 2pots2cook

    June 14, 2023 at 4:16 am

    Beautiful bites to have for weekends or any holiday, right? Love it !

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:57 pm

      Davorka – I think I will edit your sentence slightly… “Beautiful bites to have for any day, right?”

      Reply
  12. Raymund

    June 15, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    The way you describe the Chocolate Swirl Butter Cookies sounds delightful. While replicating the exact taste and texture may be a challenge, it’s heartwarming to know that you have found a version that helps keep the memory alive. Sometimes, it’s not about replicating an experience perfectly, but rather cherishing the memories and the emotions associated with it.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:55 pm

      You are qa wise man, Raymund. It really is about bringing back the memories and enjoying them.

      Reply
  13. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

    June 18, 2023 at 8:46 am

    What a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing that memory with us! Years ago, I occasionally made a chocolate and vanilla dough in the same way that you did and made two different cookies: this kind, that I called pinwheels, and checkerboards. Now I’m too lazy! But your beautiful swirls are tempting me to make a batch.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:52 pm

      It’s funny, Jen, that I didn’t mention that the bakery made checkerboard cookies, too. I think I made them once… the swirls are easier! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Inger

    June 18, 2023 at 1:42 pm

    Lovely story–isn’t it interesting the memories that stick… Yup, feeling all nostalgic myself. My mom used to make these at Christmas so I’ll be back in 6 months!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      June 23, 2023 at 1:50 pm

      I know, Inger – I was thinking of Christmas, too… but I tend to cook Christmas-y things all year round. Comforting, I think.

      Reply
  15. Christina Conte

    June 25, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    That’s so impressive, David! Good for you, and yes these cookies would hold precious memories for you. Oh, and 1966 was a very good year, haha! 🙂

    Reply

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