Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs bring a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, offering a beautiful balance of sweet cranberries and savory cheese.

The image shows four golden-brown pastry rolls arranged closely together on a white plate, each roll swirled with a mixture of white cheese, dark red cranberries, and green herbs. The rolls have a flaky texture with slightly crispy edges and soft, layered interiors. Some whole cranberries sit on top and around the rolls, adding bright red spots of color. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll out slightly to even the surface.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with crumbled feta and chopped herbs until smooth.
Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top.
Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Slice the log into ½-inch pieces.
Step 5: Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with the beaten egg wash.
Step 6: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese mixture.
Prepare the rolled log in advance and refrigerate before slicing and baking to save time.
Use fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different but equally delicious herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. These are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of four golden-brown spiral pastries on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three visible layers: a flaky, crispy outer dough layer with a light golden crust; a middle layer filled with green herbs, white cheese crumbles, and bright red cranberries creating a colorful contrast; and an inner core tightly wrapped with these ingredients. The pastries look soft on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside, with some herbs sprinkled on top. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to chop them finely and drain any excess moisture to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and roll the pastry log ahead of time, refrigerate it, then slice and bake when ready. This helps save time when hosting.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 711 reviews

Delight your guests with these elegant Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels infused with tangy feta and fresh herbs. Made with flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and juicy cranberries, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a harmonious blend of tart, savory, and savory flavors in every bite.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped

Egg Wash

1 egg, beaten

Instructions

Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll out slightly to even the surface, ensuring a uniform base for the filling.
Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese with crumbled feta and chopped fresh herbs, mixing until smooth and well incorporated for a flavorful, creamy filling.
Spread Filling and Add Cranberries: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly on top to add bursts of tartness.
Shape the Pinwheels: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Slice the log into ½-inch thick pieces, creating the pinwheel shapes.
Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheel slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden, glossy finish.
Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors and texture.

Notes

These pinwheels are best served warm, fresh out of the oven for optimal flavor and texture.
You can assemble the rolled log ahead of time and chill it, then slice and bake when ready for convenience.
For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the filling.

Keywords: Cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, holiday appetizers, feta and herbs pinwheels, baked finger foods