Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
