Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are an elegant yet simple appetizer perfect for any occasion. With a flaky puff pastry wrapped around sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry
- ½ cup fig preserves
- 4 oz plain goat cheese, crumbled
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Unroll the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig preserves.
- Step 5: Distribute the light brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves evenly on top of the cheese.
- Step 6: Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Step 7: Wrap the log in parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 8: Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½-inch rounds.
- Step 9: Arrange the pinwheels on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly, and brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- Step 10: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pinwheels are golden brown and flaky.
- Step 11: Garnish with extra fresh thyme and a light sprinkle of brown sugar before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts before rolling the pastry.
- Use fresh or dried thyme depending on availability; if using dried, reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated.
- Try substituting fig preserves with apricot or raspberry jam for a different fruity twist.
- To make these vegetarian-friendly while avoiding eggs, brush with a little milk or cream instead of egg wash.
Storage
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
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 the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before using to ensure it rolls out smoothly without cracking.
Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and slice the pinwheels, then keep them wrapped and chilled or frozen before baking. If frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
PrintFig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry layered with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a hint of brown sugar. Perfectly golden and flaky, they are easy to prepare and make an elegant addition to any gathering or snack time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry
Filling
- ½ cup fig preserves
- 4 oz plain goat cheese, crumbled
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared parchment paper, ensuring it lies flat.
- Add Fig Preserves: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about one inch of space along the edges to help seal the roll later.
- Add Goat Cheese: Crumble the goat cheese over the fig preserves evenly, distributing it to ensure every bite has a creamy tang.
- Sprinkle Sugar and Thyme: Scatter the light brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves evenly over the goat cheese to add sweetness and herbaceous aroma.
- Roll Pastry: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape, making sure the filling stays enclosed without spilling out.
- Chill the Log: Wrap the log in parchment paper and freeze it for 20 minutes to firm up the shape and make slicing easier.
- Slice Pinwheels: After chilling, use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds, creating the pinwheel shapes.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pinwheels spaced evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with the beaten egg wash to help achieve a shiny golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels turn golden brown and the pastry is flaky.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with additional fresh thyme and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before unrolling to prevent cracking.
- Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain clean, uniform pinwheel shapes.
- Use a sharp knife for neat cutting to avoid squashing the pastry.
- You can swap thyme with rosemary or basil for a different herbal twist.
- These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature.
Keywords: Fig and goat cheese pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, sweet and savory snacks, thyme pinwheels, easy party food

