If you're looking for an easy yet elegant appetizer, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is a winner every time. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy get-together, these flaky, golden pinwheels combine tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs in a bite-sized treat. I love making them when I want something impressive but quick-plus, they're always a crowd-pleaser.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe balances flaky pastry with creamy, tart fillings that burst with flavor. The sweet-tart cranberries mesh beautifully with the tangy feta and smooth cream cheese, while fresh herbs add a fragrant finish. Plus, the recipe's simplicity means you can whip it up in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Consistent Texture: Puff pastry guarantees those light, buttery layers every time you bake.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Cream cheese and feta create creaminess with a touch of salt, complemented by the cranberries' tangy sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand or easy to pick up, making this recipe stress-free.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Minimal steps with ingredients layering easily for maximum flavor without the fuss.
Ingredient Game Plan
The heart of the Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe lies in choosing fresh, quality ingredients for that perfect flavor and texture. I always recommend going with a good-quality puff pastry from the freezer aisle-it makes all the difference in flakiness and rise.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Opt for frozen, thawed properly to room temp for easy rolling and crisp, buttery layers.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened full-fat cream cheese for the smoothest spread and richest taste.
- Cranberry Sauce or Dried Cranberries: Fresh-tasting cranberry sauce adds juiciness; dried cranberries bring chewy bursts-either works great.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy contrast that brightens each bite.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Rosemary): Fresh is best here to keep those herbal notes lively and aromatic.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Water): For glazing, to get those pastry edges beautifully golden and glossy.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a smooth rectangular sheet about 10x12 inches. You'll notice the softness and elasticity as you work, so take your time to avoid tearing. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly, leaving about a half-inch border free around the edges-this helps the pinwheels hold together when rolled.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Next, spoon or sprinkle your cranberry sauce or dried cranberries over the cream cheese, distributing them evenly for bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. Then scatter the crumbled feta cheese on top; its saltiness contrasts so nicely with the cranberries. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs-parsley for brightness or rosemary for earthiness-across the surface. Layers of flavor are coming together here, and it's a joy to watch the colors and textures combine.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log shape, keeping it snug but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling. Slice into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the slices cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Brush each pinwheel gently with your egg wash to give that toasty golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the puff pastry puffs up and turns golden brown-watch for those edges crisping to a perfect golden hue but not burnt. The aroma at this stage will be irresistible!
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over the years, I've found a few tricks that turn this simple Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe from good to amazing. Knowing when the pastry is perfectly puffed or how to keep fillings moist makes a big difference.
- Doneness Cue: Look for golden puff pastry with crisp edges and no soggy spots underneath.
- Temperature Trick: Let the cream cheese soften slightly at room temperature before spreading-it spreads more evenly and blends flavors better.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can slice and arrange the pinwheels on the tray, cover tightly, and bake them fresh up to 6 hours later for hassle-free hosting.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overload the pastry with filling; too much moisture can make the pastry soggy and difficult to roll.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like to serve these pinwheels warm or at room temperature, which lets the cream cheese stay delightfully creamy while the pastry remains crisp. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds just the right hint of contrast without overpowering the flavors.
Great Pairings
They're fantastic alongside a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or paired with a sturdy soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque. I've also served these at brunch with a selection of fresh fruit and a crisp white wine-delicious balance of sweet, creamy, and fresh textures.
Easy Plating Wins
Plating is a breeze-just arrange pinwheels in a circular pattern or stacked pyramid on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs for garnish. It looks inviting and makes grabbing a bite easy at parties or family gatherings.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pinwheels in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2-3 days. They'll keep their flakiness fairly well but do enjoy them sooner rather than later for the best texture. You might find the cranberry flavor intensifies reclled, which can be a nice bonus.
Freezer Notes
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe freezes nicely before baking-just place the rolled, sliced pieces on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They keep up to 2 months frozen. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm leftovers, gently reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving alone if you want to keep that crisp flakiness; if you must microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare, roll, and slice the pinwheels up to 6 hours before baking. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you're ready to bake for fresh, flaky results.
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the filling. Fresh herbs provide the best brightness and aroma for this recipe.
You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor, and feta can be replaced with goat cheese or a mild cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Avoid overloading the pastry with wet ingredients. Spread cream cheese evenly and use just enough cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries. Also, roll the pastry tightly to keep fillings contained during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe never fails to impress with its beautiful color contrast, delightful texture, and bright, balanced flavors. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I want to share something homemade but fuss-free that feels special. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll enjoy these savory bites fresh from the oven or as a tasty snack anytime.
PrintComplete Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are delightful, flaky puff pastry snacks filled with tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and savory feta, enhanced by fresh herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these golden-baked bites deliver a balanced mix of flavors and textures that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce or ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape to create an even base for the filling.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle the cranberry sauce (or chopped dried cranberries), crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs uniformly over the cream cheese layer for balanced flavor.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log shape, then slice into 1-inch pieces to form individual pinwheels.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, brush each piece with the egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes until puffed and golden brown, ensuring the pastry is fully cooked and flavorful.
Notes
- Use chilled puff pastry for easier handling and better texture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley add bright flavor, but rosemary works well for a more earthy taste.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- For a sweeter touch, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey before rolling.
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