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