Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful blend of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized treats make perfect appetizers or party snacks that are both easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty.

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 roll it out slightly to create an even surface.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh herbs until smooth and well mixed.
3. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges, then sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top.
4. Step 4: Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
5. Step 5: Arrange the pinwheel slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried cranberries if fresh are out of season; soak them briefly in warm water to soften.
• Try different herbs like chives or basil for a unique flavor twist.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle a little toasted pine nuts over the cream cheese before rolling.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain crispiness, or enjoy them cold as a snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to slicing and place them on the baking sheet covered in plastic wrap in the fridge. Bake within 24 hours for best freshness.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

Delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are flaky, golden puff pastry spirals filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and juicy cranberries. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a savory snack, these pinwheels balance tart and creamy flavors with aromatic herbs and a crispy texture.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 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

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out slightly to even the surface, creating a smooth base for the filling.
2. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped fresh herbs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble the pinwheels: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
4. Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick pieces to form individual pinwheels.
5. Prepare for baking: Arrange the pinwheel slices cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush each piece with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden finish.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pinwheels for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use either fresh or dried cranberries according to preference. If using dried, chopping them smaller helps distribute flavor evenly.
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be mixed or substituted based on availability.
• If puff pastry is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before rolling out to prevent tearing.
• The egg wash can be skipped for a matte finish, but it helps achieve a beautiful golden color.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, feta herb pinwheels, holiday appetizers, easy party snacks, savory pinwheels