Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

Delightful cranberry pinwheels for every occasion.

Hola! As a Florida girl, my heart dances to the rhythms of Mexico’s vibrant flavors, where every dish tells a story. Growing up in Orlando, my happiest moments unfolded in the kitchen, pressing tortillas alongside my mama, while my abuela shared her spice-magic wisdom. These kitchens were more than just places to cook; they were warm havens where food transformed into love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Now, while I may call Orlando home, the essence of Oaxaca lives on in my recipes, like these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs—delicious bites of nostalgia that merge cultures in every mouthful.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Best Season: Year-round

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet tartness of cranberries beautifully complements the creamy texture of cheese and the herbal notes, making these pinwheels a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these pinwheels are perfect for both seasoned chefs and beginners eager to impress.
Versatile Appetizer: Whether for parties, game days, or cozy family gatherings, these bites are a delightful addition that pairs well with various dips and drinks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for effortless snack solutions whenever you need something quick and delicious.
Beautiful Presentation: With their eye-catching spiral shape, these pinwheels not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any platter.

Ingredients List

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)

Ingredient Tips

Puff Pastry: Ensure your pastry is chilled for easier handling and a flakier finish.
Cream Cheese: For a more indulgent flavor, use flavored cream cheese varieties like herb & garlic.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce can elevate the flavors even more and lets you control the sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or dill, to personalize the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, pressing out any creases, for a smooth rollout.
Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border to seal the edges.
Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese evenly across the cream cheese layer.
Add chopped fresh herbs over the filling, distributing them evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces for perfectly sized pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, giving them room to expand during baking.
Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Pro Secrets for Success

Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping puff pastry and cream cheese cold helps achieve the best crispiness.
Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to ensure clean slices, allowing the pinwheels to bake evenly.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pinwheels towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
Serve Warm or Room Temperature: These pinwheels are delicious right out of the oven but also tasty when served at room temperature.

Creative Recipe Variations

Spinach and Artichoke: Replace the cranberry filling with a spinach and artichoke dip for a savory twist that’s perfect for gatherings.
Apple and Brie: Swap cranberries for thinly sliced apples and brie cheese for a sweet and creamy indulgence.
Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a spicy variation that packs more flavor.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll: Use cinnamon sugar instead of cranberries for a dessert-style pinwheel, drizzled with icing after baking.

Perfect Pairings

Pair these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, or enjoy them alongside a chilled glass of sparkling apple cider. For dessert, serve with rich chocolate truffles for a lovely finish to your meal.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can prepare the pinwheels a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge before baking. To freeze, slice and place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Ideas

Arrange the pinwheels on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh herbs for an elevated look. A dollop of additional cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of feta on top can add a colorful touch and enhance flavor.

Kitchen Wisdom

Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Cold pastry puffs up better in the oven, resulting in a flaky texture.
Use a Pizza Cutter: A pizza cutter makes for easy, straight slices and quick cutting.
Experiment with Dips: Pair these pinwheels with different dips, such as ranch, hummus, or tzatziki, to enhance their flavor.
Less is More: Don’t overfill the pinwheels; too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, place them in a warm oven to retain their crispy texture rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pastry? Yes, you can substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a different taste and texture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese? Goat cheese or ricotta can be used as alternatives for a slightly different flavor.
How do I know when they’re done? Look for a golden brown color and a puffed appearance. They should be slightly firm to the touch.
Can I make these vegan? Absolutely! Use plant-based cream cheese and skip the egg wash for a vegan-friendly version.
What’s the best way to serve these? Serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping, enhancing their flavors beautifully.
Can I add more herbs? Feel free to experiment with more herbs like chives or basil to customize your pinwheels further.
Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
Calories: 150
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.

Personal Note

These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels hold a special place in my heart—not only because they taste amazing but also because they represent moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Each bite brings back cherished memories of laughter and stories shared over delicious food. Can’t wait for you to make them and create your own memories around the table!

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you find joy in creating and savoring these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels. Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share your versions on social media! Let’s spread the love of cooking and the delight of good food far and wide. Enjoy every bite and let your kitchen become a place of warmth, laughter, and endless flavors!