As I gathered my friends around the table, the air filled with laughter and the comforting scent of home-cooked goodness; I knew it was the perfect time to unveil my festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs. These vibrant pinwheels are a delightful medley of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry that promises a crisp bite with every nibble. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip together, making them a no-fuss appetizer, but they also make for an eye-catching centerpiece that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or a casual evening get-together, these make-ahead beauties will impress your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Ready to add some festive flair to your next gathering? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Why are these pinwheels a must-try?
Festive Appeal: These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any gathering, perfectly blending vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them in advance, chilling the log before baking, making hosting easier while ensuring fresh, warm bites for your guests.
Rich, Creamy Filling: The combination of cream cheese and feta brings a decadent richness, beautifully contrasted by the sweet-tart cranberries and fragrant herbs.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy brunch, these pinwheels are versatile enough to fit any event, bringing a touch of homemade warmth to your table.
For more festive ideas, don’t miss these delicious Cranberry Orange Crumb bars or the delightful Onion Goat Cheese tarts!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Ingredients
For the Pinwheels
• Puff Pastry – Provides a flaky and crispy base; ensure it’s thawed before use for the best texture.
• Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the filling; opt for full-fat for optimal flavor.
• Cranberries (dried or fresh) – Offers a delightful sweet-tart punch; if using fresh, chop and sprinkle with sugar to balance their tartness.
• Feta Cheese – Contributes a salty and tangy flavor; crumble for easy mixing into the filling.
• Fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) – Enhances flavor with a fresh touch; feel free to mix based on what you have available.
• Egg (beaten, for egg wash) – Creates a golden, shiny finish on the pastry after baking, making it visually appealing.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it is flat and even. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough out, smoothing out any creases, and shape it into a rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. This will serve as the flaky base for your delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh herbs of your choice. Use a spatula or fork to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well mixed. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a rich and creamy filling that will perfectly complement the cranberries in your pinwheels.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared puff pastry, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle dried or sugared fresh cranberries in an even layer over the filling. This adds a delightful sweet-tart punch that will balance the creamy filling in your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels.
Step 4: Roll the Pastry
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside as you roll. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it firmly. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½-inch thick pieces. Each slice will reveal the beautiful layers of filling and pastry.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for puffing. Use a pastry brush to apply a beaten egg wash on the tops of each pinwheel; this will give them a lovely golden, shiny crust as they bake. Your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are now ready for the oven!
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes for a perfect finish. Once done, allow the pinwheels to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving to friends and family. Your festive appetizer is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Fridge: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures they stay fresh and maintain their delightful texture for your next snack!
Freezer: If you want to keep pinwheels longer, freeze them before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer to an airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your pinwheels after storage, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore their crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the log and chill it before slicing and freezing for a quick appetizer option whenever guests arrive, perfect for busy holiday seasons!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Variations
Feel free to personalize your pinwheels to suit your unique taste and dietary needs!
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Goat Cheese: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese for a tangier filling that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a delightful texture that contrasts with the creamy filling.
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Spinach Twist: Add fresh spinach to the cream cheese mixture for a nutritious boost while introducing a lovely earthiness to the flavor.
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Sweet Heat: Include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the filling to give your pinwheels a subtle spicy kick and an exciting flavor contrast.
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Dijon Mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry before adding the filling for an unforgettable zing that will enhance the overall flavor experience.
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Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives for a fragrant twist; these options pair beautifully with the cream cheese and cranberries.
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Smoked Turkey: For a savory twist, add thin slices of smoked turkey to the filling before rolling up, creating a hearty variation that’s sure to please.
Delve into other flavor inspirations with delightful dishes like Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey or try out the comforting Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp for a satisfying meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are perfect for meal prep! You can easily assemble the pinwheel log up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating to keep the filling fresh and prevent browning. When ready to serve, simply slice the log and brush with egg wash before baking. Alternatively, if you’d like to make them even earlier, prepare the pinwheels and freeze them for up to 3 months—just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This make-ahead approach ensures that your appetizer is just as delicious and perfectly flaky when it’s time to impress your guests!
What to Serve with Festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs
These delightful pinwheels make a wonderful appetizer, so let’s create the perfect spread to complement their festive flavors.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These velvety potatoes add a comforting, rich texture that balances out the tangy flavors of the pinwheels.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, providing a refreshing contrast to the pinwheels.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy, nutty flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts enhance the savory elements of the pinwheels beautifully.
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Fruit Platter: Offer a colorful array of seasonal fruits; their sweetness harmonizes with the tartness of the cranberries in the pinwheels.
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Herbed Yogurt Dip: This light and tangy dip pairs perfectly, bringing a cooling element that complements the warm, creamy bites of the pinwheels.
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Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail: A fun, festive drink option; the bubbly sweetness mirrors the flavors in the pinwheels and adds a celebratory touch.
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Chocolate Fondue: For a sweet ending, indulge your guests with a rich chocolate fondue; it’s a delicious contrast to the savory pinwheels, making for a memorable meal.
Expert Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
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Softened Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This ensures a smooth filling that spreads easily over the puff pastry.
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Chill Your Log: Roll and chill the pinwheel log before slicing. This makes it much easier to cut into even, pretty slices for baking.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the pinwheels during baking. They should be golden brown and puffed; overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
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Add a Crunch: To elevate your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
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Fresh Herbs Variation: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs based on what’s available. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your pinwheels.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use for the pinwheels?
You can use either dried cranberries or fresh ones for these pinwheels. If opting for fresh cranberries, remember to chop them and sprinkle with sugar to offset their natural tartness before adding them to the filling.
How should I store leftover pinwheels?
To keep your pinwheels fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days! For best texture, gently reheat them in the oven.
Can I freeze the pinwheels before baking?
Absolutely! To freeze your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels, slice them after rolling the pastry into a log, and place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
What if my pinwheels are too doughy after baking?
This can happen if they are placed too close together or if they weren’t baked long enough. Make sure to leave space between the pinwheels on the baking sheet and check them during baking. They should be golden and puffed; if they aren’t, allow them to bake a few more minutes.
Are these pinwheels suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are vegetarian-friendly! However, check the feta cheese to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal rennet for stricter vegetarian diets.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to mix it again before spreading it on the dough. This makes assembly quicker when you’re ready to make your pinwheels!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, rolling it into a rectangle approximately 12x16 inches.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped herbs, blending until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, then sprinkle cranberries on top.
- Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log and seal the seam, then slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Arrange pinwheels on a baking sheet, brushing with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
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