Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are the perfect festive appetizer, combining creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite. These easy-to-make treats bring holiday bliss to your table with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of small round baked snacks, each made of golden-brown bread rolled into a spiral with several visible layers. Inside the spiral is a deep red layer of what looks like a thick jam or sauce, topped with crumbled white cheese and small green herb leaves, especially thyme, scattered on top and around the snacks. The outer bread appears light and fluffy with a slightly crispy crust, and the snacks are placed on a white marbled surface with some loose herbs nearby. The whole photo has a warm, inviting tone and sharp focus on the front snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry (all-butter varieties are best)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce or Dried Cranberries (choose based on desired texture)
  • 4 oz Feta Cheese (can substitute goat cheese)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Rosemary) (chopped)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten with water for wash)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until flat and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or dried cranberries evenly across the cream cheese.
  5. Step 5: Scatter chopped herbs and crumbled feta cheese over the filling.
  6. Step 6: Roll the pastry tightly from one edge into a log shape and slice into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Step 7: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the baking sheet, brush with the egg wash, and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

  • For a different twist, swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Use fresh cranberries cooked down into a sauce if you prefer a less sweet, more tart flavor.
  • Chop herbs finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the pinwheels.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several golden-brown puff pastry pinwheels arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each pinwheel has a spiral shape with three visible layers: a flaky outer crust with a light golden color, a middle layer filled with bright red cranberry sauce, and a top layer sprinkled with crumbled white cheese and small sprigs of fresh green herbs. The pinwheels look crispy on the edges with soft fillings that add vibrant red and white contrasts against the warm crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly and bake when ready.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Phyllo dough can be a substitute but will give a different texture. Alternatively, try crescent roll dough for a softer result.

Print
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful holiday appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and fresh herbs. Perfectly golden and bursting with flavor, these pinwheels are ideal for festive gatherings and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry (all-butter varieties are best)

Filling

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Cranberry Sauce or Dried Cranberries (choose based on desired texture)
  • 4 oz Feta Cheese (can substitute goat cheese)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Rosemary, chopped)

Finish

  • 1 large Egg (beaten with water for wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet until it is flat and smooth, preparing it as the base for the filling.
  3. Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  4. Add Cranberries: Spread cranberry sauce or sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, depending on your desired texture and taste.
  5. Scatter Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped parsley or rosemary over the filling to add freshness and aromatic flavor to the pinwheels.
  6. Roll the Pastry: Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape to encase the filling properly, ensuring neat pinwheels when sliced.
  7. Slice into Pinwheels: Cut the rolled log into 1-inch thick pieces to form individual pinwheels for baking and serving.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, then brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden, shiny finish.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • You can substitute feta with goat cheese if preferred for a milder flavor.
  • Use cranberry sauce for a moist filling or dried cranberries for more texture contrast.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley provide a bright flavor, while rosemary offers a woodsy aroma; choose based on your taste preference.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading and even layering.
  • For best results, use all-butter puff pastry for richer taste and flakiness.
  • Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, holiday appetizers, puff pastry snacks, easy holiday recipes, feta cheese pinwheels, festive finger food

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