Introduction

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry pinwheels offer a delightful combination of tart cranberry sauce and creamy brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a festive snack, these bite-sized treats impress with minimal effort.

The image shows six golden-brown puff pastry pinwheels arranged closely on a white rectangular plate, each pinwheel featuring multiple flaky layers that spiral outward. The pastry is topped with glistening red jam or fruit preserves scattered unevenly over the surface, adding a shiny texture and deep red color contrast. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled lightly across the pinwheels, giving a fresh and colorful touch. A sprig of fresh rosemary rests on the right side of the plate, adding bright green, needle-like leaves that stand out against the warm tones of the pastries. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, with a warm, gentle light casting soft shadows that highlight the crisp edges and glossy toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 sprig rosemary or 1 quarter orange peel
17.3 ounces puff pastry, thawed (1 package)
8 ounces brie (1 wheel)
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and a rosemary sprig or orange peel. Stir frequently and cook for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove the rosemary or orange peel and allow the sauce to cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a parchment-lined surface and roll it flat. Spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch edge clear.
Step 4: Layer thin slices of brie over the cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with chopped rosemary or orange zest if desired. Lightly brush the bare edge of the pastry with water.
Step 5: Roll the pastry tightly from the edge opposite the bare strip. Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry.
Step 6: Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets or on a cutting board, then freeze for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Slice each log into 12 even pieces and arrange them on the baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try substituting the rosemary with fresh thyme or add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry sauce.
If brie is not available, creamy goat cheese works well as a substitute.
Make sure the cranberry sauce is completely cooled before spreading to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
Assemble and freeze the rolls ahead of time for up to one month, then bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftover baked pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Unbaked assembled rolls can be frozen for up to one month and baked directly from frozen when needed.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate holds seven golden-brown puff pastry swirls, each with multiple flaky layers visible around the edges. The pastries have a shiny, glazed surface and are topped with small, deep red cranberry pieces scattered unevenly over them. Tiny green herbs are sprinkled delicately across the pastries, adding a touch of color contrast. A fresh sprig of rosemary lies on top, slightly angled to the right, enhancing the visual appeal. The plate sits on a white marbled texture, and soft warm lighting highlights the crispy textures and rich colors of the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Just thaw them before cooking and drain any excess liquid to maintain the right consistency.

Is it okay to make the rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the rolls and freeze them for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry combines the tartness of homemade cranberry sauce with creamy brie cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These delightful pinwheels are perfect for holiday appetizers or elegant snacks, offering a beautiful balance of flavors with a crisp, golden exterior and a rich, melty center.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Sauce

12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 sprig rosemary or 1 quarter orange peel

Pastry and Filling

17.3 ounces puff pastry, thawed (1 package)
8 ounces brie cheese (1 wheel)
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the cranberry sauce: Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and a rosemary sprig or orange peel in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove the rosemary or orange peel and let the sauce cool completely.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Assemble the puff pastry rolls: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on the parchment paper and roll it flat with a rolling pin. Evenly spread the cooled cranberry sauce over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Layer thin slices of brie over the cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with chopped rosemary or orange zest if desired. Lightly brush the bare edges with water to help seal the roll.
Roll and chill: Carefully roll the pastry tightly starting from the edge opposite the bare border. Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry. Place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet or cutting board, then freeze for 20-30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
Slice and bake: Cut each chilled puff pastry roll into 12 equal slices to create the pinwheels. Arrange the slices flat on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.
Storage tips: For make-ahead convenience, assemble and freeze the rolls before baking for up to one month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Store leftover baked pinwheels refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Notes

These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen or refrigerated for later use.
Ensure cranberry sauce is completely cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
Use water to brush pastry edges for an effective seal during rolling.
Freezing the rolled pastry before slicing helps maintain shape and ease of cutting.
Optional herbs like rosemary or orange zest enhance the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to retain crispness.

Keywords: Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry, holiday appetizer, puff pastry pinwheels, cranberry sauce, brie cheese, festive snacks, savory pastry