Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs make a delightful appetizer that combines tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want an easy yet impressive snack.

The image shows five golden-brown roll-shaped pastries on a wooden board, each with visible layers of soft dough speckled with green herbs, bright red cranberry pieces, and white crumbled cheese on top and inside the spirals. The rolls have a slightly shiny, crispy surface, and scattered fresh rosemary and whole cranberries sit around the board, enhancing the look. The background has a white marbled texture, slightly blurred, highlighting the pastries in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a different twist, try substituting goat cheese for feta to add a creamier texture.
Use fresh rosemary for a more aromatic flavor or switch to parsley for a milder herb note.
If using dried cranberries, toss them with a little orange zest for added brightness.
Make sure to chill the puff pastry well before rolling to help it hold shape while baking.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but still tasty when reheated.

How to Serve

The image shows five golden brown spiral rolls placed closely together on a wooden board. Each roll has several visible layers of soft dough spiraled with green herbs and red cranberry bits inside. The tops of the rolls are sprinkled with small white crumbles of cheese and finely chopped green herbs. Around the rolls on the board, there are fresh red cranberries and green rosemary sprigs, adding color and texture. The background features a white marbled texture that contrasts with the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake them fresh to maintain their puffiness.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely. Just thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it in this recipe.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

Delightfully flaky and flavorful, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are perfect bite-sized appetizers that combine creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and fragrant herbs all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They are ideal for holiday parties or any gathering as a crowd-pleasing savory treat.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Additional

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any creases to form an even rectangle.
Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when baking.
Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle the cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, then evenly distribute the crumbled feta cheese on top.
Add Fresh Herbs: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, over the filling to add an aromatic touch.
Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the puff pastry tightly from one long edge into a log, ensuring it is compact, then cut the log into 1-inch thick pinwheel slices.
Arrange for Baking: Place the sliced pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between each for expansion.
Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

You can substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity to half.
For a sweeter variation, use additional dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce.
Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling for easier handling.
Serve warm for the best flavor and flaky texture.
Pinwheels can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.

Keywords: Cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry pinwheels, holiday appetizers, feta cheese snacks