Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy blend of cream cheese, feta, and fresh herbs, accented by sweet and tart cranberries. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or snack, these golden-baked pinwheels deliver a harmonious balance of creamy, tangy, and herbal flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out slightly to create an even surface, ensuring smooth layering for the filling.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, uniform filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface of the pastry sheet, leaving a small border all around. Then sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly over the filling.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry sheet tightly from the long edge into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into ½-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use either fresh or dried cranberries; if dried, chopping them will help them distribute evenly.
- Fresh herbs can be customized according to your preference—parsley, thyme, or rosemary all work beautifully.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed and cold for optimal puffiness and flakiness.
- These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them suitable for parties or snacks.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: Cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizer, puff pastry snacks, savory pinwheels, holiday appetizers, herb and cheese pinwheels
