Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. These flaky puff pastry bites combine tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, pressing out any creases.
3. Step 3: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Step 5: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs over the filling for a bright, aromatic touch.
6. Step 6: Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash, then bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden and puffed.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries softened with a little honey if cranberry sauce or dried cranberries aren’t available.
• Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier, tangier taste.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Make ahead by assembling the pinwheels and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before rolling it out.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Parsley and rosemary provide a fresh, fragrant flavor, but you can also experiment with thyme or chives for a different herbal note.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are delightful savory pastries perfect for holiday parties or as a tasty snack. Made with flaky puff pastry filled with creamy cream cheese, tart cranberries, tangy feta, and fragrant fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped

Finishing

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, gently pressing out any creases to create an even surface for the filling.
3. Spread cream cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling.
4. Add cranberry and feta: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, then distribute crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Incorporate herbs: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary evenly across the filling layer to add fragrance and flavor.
6. Roll and slice: Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log shape, then slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
7. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the cut pinwheels with the spiral side up on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to puff while baking.
8. Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg wash, then bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Notes

• For a sweeter bite, use cranberry sauce instead of dried cranberries.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped according to preference—thyme or chives work well.
• Let the cream cheese soften fully to spread easily and evenly.
• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, feta and herbs, holiday appetizers, easy baked snacks, savory pinwheels