Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels have quickly become my go-to for any celebration, and for good reason! They’re the perfect blend of flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a delightfully creamy filling of cream cheese and feta, all studded with bursts of tart cranberries. These little bites are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dish. If you’re looking for simple yet impressive easy cranberry cream cheese appetizers, you’ve found them! Let’s get these festive delights into your oven!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Recipe
I can’t get enough of these little appetizers, and I know you won’t either! They’re a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:
- Amazing Taste: The combination of tangy cranberries, creamy cream cheese, salty feta, and flaky pastry is simply divine.
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these simple cranberry cream cheese pinwheels in about 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good appetizer, and these are always the first to disappear from the platter.
- Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or just a special treat, they fit any occasion.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: These sweet and savory cranberry cream cheese bites hit all the right flavor notes without being overwhelming.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble them ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
- Festive Appearance: Their beautiful swirl and vibrant colors make them a festive addition to any spread.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cranberry cream cheese appetizers. You’ll need the foundation of flaky cranberry cream cheese puff pastry, which bakes up beautifully golden and airy. For the creamy heart of the pinwheels, we’re using 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – this ensures a smooth, spreadable filling without lumps. To add a delightful salty tang, crumble in 4 ounces feta cheese. The star of the show, of course, are the cranberries; use 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried, for that perfect tart burst. Don’t forget 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped – parsley, thyme, or rosemary work wonderfully to add freshness. Lastly, you’ll need 1 large egg for a lovely egg wash that gives them that beautiful sheen.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Learning how to make cranberry cream cheese pinwheels is super simple and incredibly rewarding! These little pastries come together so easily, and the results are always impressive. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious appetizers ready in no time. Get ready for some seriously tasty cranberry cream cheese roll-ups!
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out a little further to form an even rectangle. This gives us a nice canvas for our filling!
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the crumbled feta cheese. Mix them together with a spoon or spatula until you have a wonderfully smooth and creamy filling. Gently fold in your finely chopped fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Now for the fun part! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly all over the puff pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border along the edges. Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the filling. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the puff pastry into a compact log.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Place these beauties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Beat the large egg and brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and perfectly golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Making delicious cranberry cream cheese pinwheels is all about a few simple tricks. These tips will help ensure your festive bites turn out perfectly every time!
- Always ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold when you work with it. This makes it easier to handle and results in maximum puffiness.
- Don’t overfill the pastry. Too much cream cheese mixture or cranberries can cause them to ooze out during baking, making cleanup harder and affecting the shape.
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them set up and prevents delicate pastry from breaking.
What’s the secret to perfect cranberry cream cheese pinwheels?
The real secret is using cold, thawed puff pastry and not overfilling the log. This ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully and the filling stays neatly contained, giving you those gorgeous swirls. For more baking tips, check out general baking advice.
Can I make cranberry cream cheese pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and store them on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before they go into the oven.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cranberry cream cheese pinwheels?
A common mistake is using warm puff pastry, which leads to less puff. Another is slicing the log too thick, which can result in a doughy center. Aim for thin, even slices and cold pastry for best results. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues; learn more about baking science.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
These delightful cranberry cream cheese pinwheel appetizers are so versatile! They’re fantastic served warm right out of the oven, where the pastry is at its crispiest and the filling is wonderfully gooey. For a more relaxed gathering, they’re also delicious at room temperature. I love pairing them with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully. They also make a lovely addition to a cheese board or alongside a light, fresh salad for a more substantial bite. You could even serve them as part of a brunch spread – they’re that good! For more serving ideas, consider food pairing suggestions.
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Let’s break down the deliciousness of these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels! Each bite offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information per serving (which is about one pinwheel):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources on healthy eating.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
One of the best things about these homemade cranberry cream cheese pinwheels is how well they store and reheat! After baking, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They maintain a nice texture either way, though I find they are best enjoyed within a couple of days.
If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze them! You can freeze uncooked pinwheels for up to 2 months; just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked pinwheels, cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To reheat, if they’re frozen, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If reheating refrigerated or room temperature pinwheels, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and slightly crisped.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
What exactly are cranberry cream cheese pinwheels?
Cranberry cream cheese pinwheels are delightful appetizers made from puff pastry rolled up with a creamy filling of cream cheese and often feta, studded with tart cranberries. They’re sliced into bite-sized spirals and baked until golden and puffed.
Why are cranberry cream cheese pinwheels so popular for holidays?
Their popularity during the holidays stems from their festive appearance, making them perfect for seasonal gatherings. The combination of sweet, savory, and tart flavors appeals to many palates, and their simple preparation means less stress for hosts. They are truly festive cranberry cream cheese pinwheel appetizers!
Can I use different types of cranberries?
Yes, you absolutely can! While fresh cranberries offer a bright, tart burst, dried cranberries provide a chewier texture and concentrated sweetness. Both work wonderfully in these cranberry cheese pastry pinwheels, so choose whichever you prefer or have on hand. For more information on cranberries, see cranberry facts.
Variations of Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
While the classic recipe is fantastic, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt these festive bites to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Consider these fun twists on the original cranberry cheese pastry pinwheels for your next gathering.
Dairy-Free Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
For a dairy-free option, simply swap the cream cheese and feta for their plant-based alternatives. Many excellent dairy-free cream cheese and feta-style crumbles are available now that work beautifully. Ensure your puff pastry is also dairy-free!
Savory Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheel Variations
Want to lean into the savory side? Try adding a tablespoon or two of finely chopped caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of garlic powder also enhances the savory notes of these cranberry cream cheese appetizers.
Sweet Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies
You can even transform these into a sweet treat! For a cookie-like result, omit the feta cheese and reduce the herbs. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to the cream cheese filling, and perhaps a touch of vanilla extract. This transforms them into delightful cranberry cream cheese swirl cookies, perfect for dessert!
Print
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: 15 Minute Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive and flavorful appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, a creamy filling of cream cheese and feta, and tart cranberries. They are easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and are perfect for holiday gatherings or any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 4 ounces Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup Cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, or Rosemary), finely chopped
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a surface and unroll the puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out into an even rectangle.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese. Mix until smooth. Fold in the finely chopped fresh herbs.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the filling.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
- Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze uncooked pinwheels for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for several minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- Consider a milk wash instead of egg wash for a dairy-free option.
- Experiment with different herbs or cheeses for variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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