Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs make a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack. These golden puff pastry bites combine tangy cream cheese, savory feta, fresh herbs, and bursts of cranberry for a flavorful treat.

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 out slightly to even the surface.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix cream cheese with crumbled feta and chopped herbs until smooth.
3. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle chopped cranberries on top.
4. Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Slice the log into ½-inch pieces.
5. Step 5: Arrange the pinwheel slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
6. Step 6: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture and flavor, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese mixture.
• You can prepare the filled pastry log ahead of time, refrigerate it, then slice and bake when ready.
• Use fresh cranberries for a tart burst or dried cranberries for a sweeter bite.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry completely according to package instructions before rolling it out to ensure even baking and prevent cracks.

Can I make these pinwheels vegan?

Yes. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese, and replace the egg wash with a little plant milk or oil brushed on top.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are delightful, flaky appetizers featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries rolled inside puff pastry. Perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, these bite-sized treats bake to golden perfection and offer a delicious balance of flavors.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Pinwheel 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. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, rolling it out slightly to create an even surface for easier spreading and rolling.
2. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs until you achieve a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Assemble Pinwheels: Spread the cream cheese and feta mixture evenly across the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly over the cheese layer.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
5. Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheel slices spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pinwheel lightly with the beaten egg to ensure a nice golden finish during baking.
6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• These pinwheels are best served warm, right out of the oven for optimal flakiness and flavor.
• You can prepare the rolled log ahead of time, chill it in the refrigerator, then slice and bake when ready.
• For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cheese filling.

Keywords: Cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, feta pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, holiday appetizers, herb cheese pinwheels