Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Crispy golden puff pastry enveloping creamy cheese tangy cranberries and plenty of fresh herbs these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs are a reliable favorite for holiday parties brunch buffets or just a cheerful snack at home Sometimes the simplest things really are the most delicious and this quick appetizer is a surefire crowd pleaser I have brought them to both fancy holiday potlucks and casual Saturday breakfasts and they always disappear fast

The first time I made these was for a family Christmas brunch Everyone wanted the recipe and now we make them together every year as a kickoff to the holidays

Ingredients

• Puff pastry: Choose a quality brand from the freezer section that feels firm but not dried out for a crisp flaky base
• Cream cheese: Softening it first makes spreading easy and gives that creamy tangy bite
• Cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: Either option brings sweet tart flavor and a pop of color I like to use homemade sauce but store bought works too
• Feta cheese: Crumbly and salty feta adds a savory punch Opt for block feta over pre-crumbled for better texture
• Fresh herbs: Parsley rosemary or a mix Brightens and adds garden freshness Pick leaves that look perky and bright green
• Egg beaten with water: This egg wash helps the pinwheels bake up glossy and golden

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Heat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning

Roll Out the Dough:

On a clean lightly floured surface use a rolling pin to gently roll out the puff pastry just enough to smooth any folds or creases Keep it cold so it stays easy to handle

Spread the Cream Cheese:

With a small offset spatula or back of a spoon cover the pastry with a smooth layer of cream cheese Save a small border along the edges to help seal the roll later

Layer On the Cranberry and Feta:

Evenly scatter either cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries over the cream cheese layer Top with crumbled feta gently pressing it into the surface

Add Herbs for Flavor:

Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the entire surface distributing them so each bite gets a pop of freshness

Roll It Up:

Working from the long edge carefully roll the pastry into a tight log Try not to squeeze too hard so the filling stays in place

Slice the Pinwheels:

With a sharp knife slice the log into one inch pieces Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on your prepared baking sheet giving them space to puff

Egg Wash and Bake:

Brush each pinwheel with the egg wash for a shiny golden finish Bake eighteen to twenty two minutes until the pastry is crisp and puffy

Let Cool and Serve:

Remove from oven Let cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a platter They firm up as they cool which makes them easier to pick up and enjoy

Feta is my notsosecret favorite here I love that briny sharpness with the cranberries Last Thanksgiving we made a double batch and there were none left even with all the other desserts on the table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for two days To reheat place on a baking sheet in a warm oven for a few minutes and they will crisp up again Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries for a different fruit flavor Goat cheese or ricotta works instead of cream cheese and pecans or walnuts give extra crunch

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a little dish of extra cranberry sauce for dipping or set alongside a winter salad They stand out as a party starter but also make a fun breakfast with coffee on festive mornings

Cultural and Holiday Inspiration

These pinwheels are inspired by the beloved combination of cheese and fruit found throughout American and Mediterranean holiday spreads The cranberries and herbs make them especially festive for Thanksgiving Christmas or winter gatherings

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a pinch of orange zest for a citrusy twist Try sage thyme or even chives if parsley and rosemary are not in season In spring swap cranberries for chopped strawberries and feta for cream cheese only for a lighter brunch treat

Success Stories

One of my friends once brought these to a neighborhood cookie swap and ended up handing out the recipe to almost everyone there They are equally popular with kids and adults The swirl of color just draws people in

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble and slice the pinwheels then freeze the raw slices on a tray Once frozen transfer to a bag or container Bake from frozen at three hundred seventy five degrees until golden adding just a few extra minutes to the baking time

These pinwheels are as easy as they are stunning on any table Try them once and they are sure to become a go to for festive gatherings or lazy weekend brunches

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Keep the puff pastry well-chilled while working. Also, spread fillings evenly and avoid too much moisture to ensure crisp layers.

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes, chopped dried cranberries work well and offer a delightfully chewy, sweet-tart bite in each pinwheel.

→ What herbs pair best with the cheese blend?

Fresh parsley or rosemary both complement the flavors beautifully, but thyme or chives also make great additions.

→ Can these pinwheels be prepared ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble and slice the pastry, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before baking for best results.

→ Are nuts a good addition to this appetizer?

For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans over the filling before rolling up the pastry.

→ What pairs well with these pinwheels?

They’re delicious alongside fresh greens, a tangy salad, or fruit platters for a balanced appetizer spread.