Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, then these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are going to steal your heart. Imagine flaky puff pastry swirled with a luscious blend of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, salty feta, and fresh herbs—all baked to golden perfection. They’re the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors wrapped up in bite-sized rolled up goodness that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a beautiful, flavorful treat to enjoy, this recipe is simple yet spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a key role in creating the texture, taste, and vibrant look of your pinwheels. From the crisp puff pastry to the mix of creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, every element comes together perfectly.

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the filling.
• 1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped): Offers a pop of tart sweetness that balances the salty cheeses.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a tangy, salty punch with a crumbly texture.
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped: Infuses fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the flavor.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the pinwheels a beautiful golden sheen and helps seal edges.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by unrolling your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Give it a gentle roll to even out the thickness, ensuring a smooth canvas for your flavorful filling later. This step makes sure every pinwheel bakes evenly and achieves that perfect flaky texture.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, take the softened cream cheese and combine it with crumbled feta and your choice of fresh chopped herbs—parsley, thyme, or rosemary all work wonderfully. Mix until the blend is smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy base that will add a delightful tang and freshness to every bite.

Step 3: Spread the Filling and Add Cranberries

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a tiny border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly on top, adding bursts of tart sweetness that complement the creamy, savory filling perfectly.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Pinwheels

Carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log starting from the long edge. This rolling action creates those signature spiral layers packed with flavor. Once rolled, slice the log into approximately ½-inch thick pieces to form your pinwheels, perfect for baking and serving.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the pinwheel slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash—this will give your pinwheels a gorgeous golden glow as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pinwheels are puffed up and have turned a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool just a bit before enjoying, so the filling sets and you don’t burn your fingers diving in.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

Garnishes

These pinwheels look stunning with a sprinkle of extra fresh chopped herbs on top right after baking. You can also add a few whole cranberries for a festive touch, or a light drizzle of honey to enhance their sweet-savory contrast.

Side Dishes

They pair beautifully with fresh greens or a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, which offers a crisp, tangy balance. You could also serve alongside a warm soup, like butternut squash or tomato bisque, for cozy entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or appetizer spread, arrange the Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs on a wooden board with clusters of nuts, olives, and sliced cheeses. Alternatively, thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fun finger-food twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—which is rare, but it happens—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days, and their flavors often meld even more deliciously overnight.

Freezing

These pinwheels freeze wonderfully. Place sliced, unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This helps restore their crisp, flaky texture much better than a microwave ever could.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to chop them finely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which could make the pastry soggy.

What other cheeses can I substitute for feta?

Goat cheese or ricotta can work well as milder, creamy alternatives that will still complement the herbs and cranberries beautifully.

Can these be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace cream cheese and feta with dairy-free versions available at most stores. Just ensure they’re soft enough to spread smoothly.

Do the herbs affect the texture much?

Not significantly—they add wonderful aroma and freshness without changing the creamy filling’s texture, just make sure they’re finely chopped.

How far ahead can I prepare these for a party?

You can prepare and slice the pinwheels a day ahead, keeping them covered in the fridge. Brush with egg wash and bake shortly before guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs. They’re such an easy yet impressive way to bring festive flavors and flaky goodness to your table. Whether for holidays, gatherings, or simply a cozy treat at home, these pinwheels promise smiles all around. Give them a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!

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