If you’re on the lookout for a festive appetizer that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste, you’re going to adore this Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe. Bursting with tangy cranberries, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs all wrapped in flaky golden puff pastry, these pinwheels are ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of tartness, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness that truly captures the spirit of the season. Trust me, once you try them, these pinwheels will become a holiday favorite you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe so irresistible. From the flaky puff pastry to the sweet-tart dried cranberries and fresh herbs, every element contributes something special.
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, approx. 17.3 ounces): The buttery, flaky base that gives this dish its irresistible texture and golden crust.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a rich, smooth creaminess that binds the filling together perfectly.
- Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Offers a sharp, salty contrast that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup, finely chopped): Bring a lovely, tart pop of color and flavor that screams holiday cheer.
- Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, finely minced): Delivers an aromatic herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon, finely minced): Adds delicate earthy undertones and complexity.
- Light brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough sweetness to complement and mellow the tartness.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): A subtle, warming spice that enhances the flavor blend.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt (a pinch, to taste): Essential for balancing and bringing out the other flavors.
- Large egg (1): For the egg wash, ensuring a gorgeous golden finish on your pinwheels.
- Water or milk (1 tablespoon): Thins the egg wash for easy brushing and a shiny crust.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Begin by softening your cream cheese at room temperature so it becomes light and easily spreadable. Whip the cream cheese until it’s fluffy, then gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This combination creates a creamy base packed with savory tang. Next, finely mince fresh rosemary and thyme and mix these fragrant herbs into the cheese blend along with the finely chopped dried cranberries, distributing them evenly for bursts of tart sweetness in every bite.
Step 2: Season the Filling
To this luscious mixture, add light brown sugar to introduce a subtle sweetness, freshly ground black pepper for a bit of warming spice, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. If you fancy a slight savory punch, a little garlic powder works wonders here. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure every mouthful is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.
Step 3: Prepare and Roll the Puff Pastry
Lay one thawed sheet of puff pastry on your clean work surface. For that perfect puff and even baking, roll it out gently to about one-eighth to one-quarter inch thick. Then spread half of the creamy filling evenly across the pastry, leaving a half-inch border on one long edge free to help seal your roll. Roll the pastry carefully from the long edge opposite the border, compressing it tightly, and pinch the seam to keep the filling tucked inside.
Step 4: Chill and Slice the Pastry Log
Wrapping the rolled pastry log in plastic wrap, chill it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This step is key to firming up the log to make slicing clean rounds much easier and to keep the pinwheels intact during baking. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line your baking sheets with parchment paper, and slice the log into half-inch thick rounds, showcasing the gorgeous spiral of filling inside.
Step 5: Bake the Pinwheels to Golden Perfection
Arrange the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for even puffing. Whisk together the egg with water or milk and brush this egg wash over each pinwheel to give them that irresistible shiny, golden-brown crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is beautifully flaky and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly. This resting time helps lock in the flaky texture and flavors, making them even better to enjoy.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of holiday magic, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary or thyme over the cooled pinwheels just before serving. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors beautifully. These little garnishes not only add visual appeal but also layer in additional aroma and taste, making each bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads like a winter greens mix with a citrus vinaigrette or a light arugula salad tossed with lemon and parmesan. For heartier occasions, they complement warm roasted vegetable platters or a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup, creating a festive spread that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pinwheels on a large wooden board garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs and a scattering of whole dried cranberries for a rustic, inviting look. Alternatively, stack them neatly on a tiered cake stand at your holiday party to make them the centerpiece of your appetizer table. You could even thread a small festive flag or decorative toothpick through each pinwheel for a charming, bite-sized holiday treat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated. The flavors actually develop nicely after resting, making them a perfect snack the next day or a quick party bite.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pinwheels by arranging the sliced rounds flat on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This tip allows you to prepare ahead for any occasion with ease.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. Reheating in the oven preserves that delightful flaky texture and revives the fresh aroma of the herbs.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery than dried ones, which could affect the texture and moisture of the filling. If using fresh cranberries, consider lightly cooking them to reduce moisture and balance the tartness, but dried cranberries provide the perfect chewy sweetness for this recipe.
Is it possible to make these pinwheels vegan?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream cheese and feta for vegan alternatives made from nuts or soy, and use a plant-based puff pastry and egg substitute for the wash. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be different but still delicious and festive.
What can I do if my puff pastry tears while rolling?
If the pastry tears, don’t worry! Simply patch it with a small piece of pastry and gently press the edges to seal. Chilling the dough can help make it more pliable and easier to work with next time.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Yes! The filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pinwheels quick and simple when you’re ready to bake.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from getting soggy?
Chilling the rolled log before slicing is key to preventing sogginess as it keeps the filling firm. Also, make sure not to overfill the pastry and bake at the recommended temperature for a flaky, crisp result every time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is truly a sparkling addition to any holiday gathering. The combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and herbal flavors wrapped in golden puff pastry is sure to wow your friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these festive bites as much as I do — once you try them, they’ll become a joyful tradition on your holiday table!
Print
Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are festive, flaky, and bursting with savory and sweet flavors, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Made with puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, feta, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, they bake up golden and irresistible, making them an effortless yet impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets Frozen puff pastry (approx. 17.3 ounces)
Filling
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
For Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Water or milk
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until it becomes soft and spreadable, which will make it easier to whip.
- Beat the cream cheese: Using a hand mixer or spatula, whip the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes, to create a smooth base for the filling.
- Fold in the feta cheese: Gently add the crumbled feta cheese to the cream cheese mixture, combining carefully to maintain a slightly textured filling.
- Mince the fresh herbs: Finely chop the fresh rosemary and thyme, then stir them into the cheese mixture to infuse the filling with vibrant, aromatic flavors.
- Chop the cranberries: Finely chop the dried cranberries and mix them into the cream cheese mixture evenly to add sweetness and texture.
- Combine the seasonings: Add the light brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder if using, and a pinch of salt to the filling and gently fold all ingredients together until well blended.
- Prepare the pastry: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean work surface ready for filling.
- Roll out the pastry (optional): For even thickness and uniform baking, use a rolling pin to roll the puff pastry to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread half of the creamy cranberry feta filling over the pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge free for sealing the roll.
- Roll the pastry: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, then pinch the seam to seal and keep the filling inside.
- Chill the log: Wrap the rolled pastry log in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to firm up, which makes slicing easier.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Slice the log: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled pastry log into ½-inch thick rounds, exposing the beautiful swirled filling inside.
- Place the pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheel slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for even baking and crisping.
- Whisk the egg wash: In a small bowl, combine the large egg with water or milk and brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the pinwheels to achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish after baking.
- Bake the pinwheels: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels turn golden brown and flaky.
- Cool on the baking sheet: Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before filling and rolling.
- Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain the shape and makes it easier to cut clean pinwheels.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different fruity twist.
- If you want a more pronounced herb flavor, slightly increase the amount of rosemary and thyme.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives.
