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
Scale
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.
