Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe are one of those delightful bites that bring together the tart sweetness of cranberries, creamy richness of cheese, and fresh herbs in a flaky, golden pastry. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive holiday gathering or just craving a snack that feels special without the fuss, these pinwheels are a total winner. I love how they’re bite-sized, making them super fun to share with friends or family. You’ll also notice they come together quickly, making them a go-to when you want something impressive but simple.
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What Makes This So Good
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors wrapped in tender, flaky puff pastry. You’ll enjoy the burst of cranberry tartness alongside the creamy, tangy feta and smooth cream cheese—a real crowd-pleaser.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: It’s a quick assembly recipe with pantry staples that delivers a satisfying, gourmet feel every time.
- Family-Friendly: Little ones and adults alike love popping these pinwheels—perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
- Simple Ingredients: Just one sheet of puff pastry, cheeses, cranberries, herbs, and an egg wash.
- Works Any Night: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal that comes together fast.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients can take your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here’s a quick rundown to help you prep like a pro, plus handy swaps if you’re missing something in the fridge.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Fresh or frozen works—just thaw completely before rolling. A quality puff pastry ensures those flaky layers you'll love.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese spreads easily, giving a luscious base. I find it easiest to let it sit on the counter 15 minutes before starting.
- Cranberry Sauce or Dried Cranberries: Homemade cranberry sauce gives a fresh taste, but dried cranberries add a chewy pop. Choose based on your texture preference.
- Feta Cheese: Go for good-quality feta that's creamy yet tangy—crumbled evenly for nice pockets of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Rosemary): Freshness makes a difference here; finely chop to distribute the herbal aroma throughout the pinwheels.
- Egg Wash: A simple beaten egg mixed with water helps create that irresistible golden crust—don't skip it!
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your pinwheels are ready to go in. While it heats, lightly flour a clean surface and gently roll out the puff pastry, pressing out any creases or folds—smooth is key here. When spreading the softened cream cheese, leave about a half-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling. This step is where you set the stage for those neat, evenly filled pinwheels that bake beautifully. Make sure your herbs are finely chopped, so their flavor infuses throughout without overpowering any bite.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
After rolling the puff pastry with all those delicious fillings inside, slice it into 1-inch pieces and place them cut side up on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash—the glossy finish will make the pinwheels as pretty as they are tasty. Keep an eye on them while baking, roughly 18 to 22 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed up, golden brown with crispy edges, and you catch that cozy aroma of baked herbs and melted cheese. It’s such an inviting smell! If you see any uneven browning, rotate the pan halfway to ensure perfection.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once the pinwheels come out of the oven, let them cool just a few minutes on the pan—they’ll firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Taste one and add a pinch of additional fresh herbs or a light drizzle of good olive oil if you like a little something extra. Serving them warm enhances the creamy texture of the cheese and the flakiness of the pastry, but they’re just as delightful at room temperature for gatherings. You’ll see how these little bites become the star of your table in no time.
Extra Helpful Tips
I've made this Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe many times, and a few small tricks always ensure success. For instance, don’t skimp on the egg wash—it adds that irresistible golden shine and subtle crispiness. Also, if you don’t have fresh herbs, a light sprinkle of dried mixed herbs works fine but use sparingly.
- Watch for This Sign: Puff pastry edges curling up is a good clue they’re almost done—just a bit longer and you’ve got that perfect crunch.
- Temperature Trick: Room temperature cream cheese spreads best; cold cheese can tear the pastry or mix unevenly.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Assemble the pinwheels and slice them the night before, then keep covered in the fridge. Bake fresh the next day.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t overfill or your log might crack or leak filling while baking.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to jazz up your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe? Try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of honey over the top just before serving to add a crunchy, sweet contrast. A dash of cracked black pepper or a few chili flakes adds a subtle kick if you’re feeling a bit adventurous. Fresh basil or thyme also play nicely with the existing herb mix if you want to experiment.
Tasty Pairings
These pinwheels pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tied together with a balsamic vinaigrette for a light and balanced meal. For drinks, a refreshing sparkling water with lemon or a chilled white wine complements the tangy feta and cranberries perfectly. At parties, serve alongside a charcuterie board featuring nuts, olives, and fresh fruits for an elevated spread everyone will love.
Quick Plating Tips
I like arranging these pinwheels on a platter lined with fresh herb sprigs—it instantly adds color and that inviting fresh scent. You could also dot the plate with a few dollops of extra cranberry sauce for a pop of color and tartness. A light dusting of finely chopped parsley on top just before serving adds a lovely green contrast and fresh aroma.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
After cooling, store your leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll keep well, though the puff pastry might lose a bit of its crispness. A quick re-heat in the oven helps revive that delicious texture.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze these pinwheels before baking! After shaping and slicing, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This prevents sogginess while keeping their flaky charm.
Reheat Like New
To reheat and keep your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe moist yet crisp, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving can warm them quickly but will yield a softer pastry, so I recommend the oven for best results. Using a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat with a cover also works well to gently re-crisp the bottoms without drying them out.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta make great alternatives—they bring a creamy texture and mild tang that pairs nicely with the cranberries and herbs.
Make sure to roll the pastry tightly and seal the edge well. Chilling the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing also helps keep the shape intact during baking.
You can try a gluten-free puff pastry, but keep in mind these often behave differently than traditional ones. Watch baking times closely to avoid dryness.
Yes, canned cranberry sauce works well and adds a smooth, sweet layer. Just spread it evenly and be mindful not to use too much to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe becomes one of your kitchen favorites. They’re just so easy to customize and share, whether as a festive treat or an everyday snack. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how you jazzed them up or what you paired them with—your feedback always makes my day. Don’t forget to leave a star rating if you enjoyed the recipe; it really helps others find these yum bites too. Happy baking and snacking!
Print📖 Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and aromatic fresh herbs. Perfectly golden and flaky, these bite-sized pinwheels offer a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors, ideal for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce or ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet evenly, pressing out any creases to create a smooth base for the filling.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle the cranberry sauce or dried chopped cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, followed by an even layer of crumbled feta cheese. Then scatter the chopped fresh herbs on top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly to allow for expansion while baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash to help them achieve a beautifully golden and shiny finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rosemary with other herbs such as thyme or chives for a different herbal flavor.
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for a juicier texture or dried cranberries for a more concentrated tartness.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier spreading and better texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and assembled but bake just before serving for optimal flakiness.
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