Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs deliver a buttery savory pastry layered with sweet tart cranberry and creamy richness. This playful appetizer has rescued me so many times for parties and holiday gatherings thanks to its showstopping look and the unbeatable medley of flavors. It is my happy solution when I want something a little festive that still feels familiar and comforting.

My family always crowds the kitchen as soon as these start baking and the aroma of warm pastry with cranberries fills the room. Even my pickiest eater grabs two and everyone asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides a flaky buttery foundation Be sure to select all butter pastry for best texture and flavor let it thaw fully before using
• Cream cheese: Brings creamy smooth contrast to the sweet and savory elements Always use full fat cream cheese and let it soften before spreading
• Cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: Supplies tart and sweet notes For fresh flavor try a chunky homemade cranberry sauce or for chewy texture use good quality dried cranberries
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta creates a salty tang that cuts through the richness Choose a block style feta for crumbling yourself as it tends to taste fresher
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary: Lends fragrant bright notes Use only fresh herbs for popping color and flavor check for crisp leaves and vivid green color
• Egg beaten with water: Enables golden glossy finish on the pinwheels Use a fresh egg and beat well for smooth brushing

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Begin by setting your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper This helps the pinwheels bake evenly and prevents sticking

Roll Out the Puff Pastry:

Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface Use a rolling pin to gently press out any creases and create an even rectangle Work quickly so the pastry does not get too soft and sticky

Spread the Cream Cheese:

Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the surface of the pastry making sure to leave a small border uncovered along all edges This border ensures the filling stays inside as you roll

Layer the Cranberry and Feta:

Sprinkle either cranberry sauce in small dollops or scatter chopped dried cranberries across the cream cheese surface Add even sprinkles of crumbled feta so there is salty tang in every bite

Herb Sprinkle:

Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the filling Distribute them evenly so every pinwheel will showcase those fresh flavor bursts

Roll and Slice:

Starting at one long edge carefully but firmly roll up the pastry into a tight log Shape it gently with your hands if needed to keep a uniform cylinder Now using a sharp knife slice the log into one inch pieces Wipe the knife after each slice if the filling sticks

Arrange and Brush with Egg Wash:

Place the cut pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet Space them apart to allow for puffing during baking Brush the tops and sides lightly with egg wash for a shiny golden crust

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the pinwheels for eighteen to twenty two minutes until they are deeply golden on top and well puffed Check at eighteen minutes and rotate the sheet as needed for even color Cool a few minutes on the tray before serving

The mix of feta and cream cheese is what makes these pinwheels extra special for me That briny tang paired with creamy richness always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen when she would let us help crumble feta for her pastries Every warm tray brings back those memories and always gets smiles from the family

Storage Tips

To keep pinwheels fresh let them cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days Reheat in a hot oven for five minutes for best texture They can get soggy if left out overnight so always store promptly

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap goat cheese for cream cheese for a tangier bite or use blue cheese for deeper flavor For a nutty twist chopped toasted walnuts or pecans are wonderful along with cranberries Fresh thyme or dill also work well if you want another herb flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pinwheels warm as a festive holiday starter Let them shine on a cheese board or pair with a simple green salad for a light lunch They also travel well for potlucks or picnics

Cultural Context

Pinwheels like these draw on a European tradition of pastry rolls filled with savory or sweet spreads This version puts a North American holiday spin on it with the cranberry and creamy cheese combination The use of fresh herbs is a classic Mediterranean touch

Seasonal Adaptations

Try orange zest and thyme with the cranberries in spring Roast some winter squash or add caramelized leeks for autumn flavor Replace with fresh strawberries and basil in summer for a fruity touch

Success Stories

My sister made these for the first time on Thanksgiving and they disappeared before the turkey hit the table Friends have shared pictures every year on social media after making a double batch for their parties It is my go to recipe anytime I want to wow a crowd

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the pinwheels fully up to the slicing step then freeze on a tray Once frozen transfer to a bag or container and bake straight from frozen adding five minutes to baking time This makes it possible to have elegant appetizers ready anytime

These pinwheels are an absolute crowd pleaser and simple to prepare ahead Enjoy their festive colors and inviting flavors at your next gathering.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes, both cranberry sauce and chopped dried cranberries work well, adding sweetness and texture to the pinwheels.

→ Which herbs pair best with this dish?

Parsley and rosemary offer fresh herbal notes, but thyme or chives are tasty alternatives for added flavor complexity.

→ How can I prevent pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Chill the rolled pastry before slicing and make sure to cut pinwheels with a sharp knife to maintain their shape.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and slice the pinwheels, refrigerate them on a tray, then bake just before serving for best texture.

→ What is a good dip or accompaniment for these pinwheels?

Try serving with a fresh herb yogurt dip, honey mustard, or a light cranberry chutney for extra flavor.