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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta and Herbs bring a festive spin to your snack or appetizer game. They combine flaky puff pastry with creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that work beautifully together for casual gatherings or holiday plates. These pinwheels come together quickly and deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
I often pull this recipe together when unexpected guests pop in or to add a little brightness to an afternoon tea. It has a way of turning simple ingredients into something everyone notices.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: for flaky layers, choose one that is thawed but still cold for best puff
- Cream cheese: softened for easy spreading and a smooth creamy base
- Cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: for a sweet and tart zing, fresh sauce will give more moisture while dried adds chewiness
- Feta cheese: crumbled for tang and saltiness, opt for good quality Greek feta that is creamy, not crumbly dry
- Fresh herbs: like parsley or rosemary add aroma and a green brightness, chop finely to distribute flavor evenly
- Egg wash: made from an egg beaten with water to give the pinwheels a golden, glossy finish
Instructions
- Build The Base:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Press gently to remove creases but keep it cold so it puffs well in the oven.
- Spread The Cream Cheese:
- Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire pastry leaving about a half inch border around the edges. This avoids overflow when rolling.
- Add The Filling:
- Distribute cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly followed by the chopped fresh herbs. This layering ensures every slice has balanced flavor.
- Roll Up Tightly:
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry into a log as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling. This keeps the pinwheels neat.
- Slice Pinwheels:
- Slice the rolled log into one inch thick pieces using a sharp knife. This thickness keeps the pinwheels fluffy and not too dense.
- Prepare For Baking:
- Place the pinwheels cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush each generously with the egg wash for a shiny golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375 Fahrenheit for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
My favorite ingredient here is the feta. Its creamy tang really cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and brightens the cranberries in a way that surprises guests every time. I remember one holiday party where these disappeared faster than anything else on the platter thanks to that combination.
Storage tips
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh the pastry's crispness, warm them in a 350 degree oven for about five minutes before serving.
Ingredient swaps
Try using goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier spread or substitute thyme for rosemary if you prefer a subtler herb flavor. Dried cherries or currants can replace cranberries and add their own subtle sweetness.
Serving ideas
Enjoy them warm with a simple green salad for lunch or alongside a soup dinner. They also make delightful finger food for brunch or cocktail parties.
These pinwheels bring a perfect balance of flavors and are sure to impress any guest.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of puff pastry works best?
A standard frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed but cold, provides the best flaky texture and ease of handling.
- → Can fresh cranberries be used instead of sauce or dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are very tart and water-rich; it’s better to cook them into a thick sauce first to avoid soggy pastry.
- → What herbs complement the filling best?
Fresh parsley or rosemary add bright, aromatic notes that enhance the creamy and tangy flavors beautifully.
- → How to prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy?
Use a thick cranberry sauce or well-drained dried cranberries and avoid over-spreading moisture-rich fillings near pastry edges.
- → Can these pinwheels be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, ensuring freshness and ease on serving day.
- → What is the best way to serve these pinwheels?
They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect appetizers or snack bites for gatherings.