Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a light snack. Flaky puff pastry wraps a creamy, tangy filling accented with fresh herbs and bursts of cranberry. These savory-sweet bites are both easy to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out slightly to even the surface.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
5. Step 5: Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space in between. Brush each piece lightly with the beaten egg to help them brown.
6. Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like dill or chives for different flavor notes. Substitute goat cheese for feta for a creamier filling.
• If using fresh cranberries, chopping them finely helps distribute the tart bursts evenly without overpowering.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother spread.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before baking—freeze the rolled log, then slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before chopping and adding to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy.

How can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

You can assemble the pinwheels, refrigerate them until firm, then slice and bake within 24 hours. Alternatively, assemble and freeze the rolled log, slicing and baking when needed.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy, tangy cheese filling and bursts of sweet-tart cranberries. Perfectly golden and aromatic, they make an elegant snack or party treat.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cheese & Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
• 1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)

Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and gently roll out slightly to create an even surface, which helps with a uniform thickness and better rolling.
2. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir until the blend is smooth and evenly mixed for a rich, flavorful filling.
3. Spread Filling and Add Cranberries: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to seal during rolling. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries uniformly on top to ensure every bite has a burst of tartness.
4. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log from the long side to create pinwheels. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into ½-inch thick pieces to make individual pinwheels.
5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pinwheel slices spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash to enhance browning and give them a shiny, appetizing finish.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set.

Notes

• Use either fresh or dried cranberries, but if using dried, you may want to chop them finely for easier biting.
• Herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary can be mixed or used individually for different flavor profiles.
• The egg wash helps achieve a glossy and beautifully browned crust, but can be omitted for a vegetarian option.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
• These pinwheels can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: Cranberry pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, cream cheese snacks, holiday appetizers, feta pinwheels, herb cheese pastry