Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Layers of creamy cheese meet bursts of sweet cranberry wrapped in flaky, golden pastry—the kind of appetizer that vanishes as soon as you set it out. Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta and Herbs strike a perfect harmony between bright, tangy, and savory. They are incredibly simple to whip up and transform ordinary ingredients into something so cheerful and irresistibly snackable that you may want to double the batch for company.

The first time I served these at a holiday potluck, not a single pinwheel made it home. Now they are my go-to for both family brunches and impromptu get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Sheet of puff pastry: look for one made with real butter for flaky richness
• Cream cheese: at room temperature blends easily and delivers a creamy base
• Cranberries: fresh or dried and unsweetened offer a bright tartness
• Feta cheese: tangy and crumbly for that salty punch use a block and crumble by hand for fresher flavor
• Fresh herbs: parsley, thyme, or rosemary add an aromatic lift snip just before using for max freshness
• Egg for wash: gives that gorgeous glossy golden finish

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

Unfold your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently use your rolling pin to smooth out any folds. This prevents tearing and ensures even baking.

Mix the Filling:

In a medium bowl blend the softened cream cheese with feta and your choice of finely chopped herbs. Aim for a uniform and creamy mixture to spread nicely.

Assemble the Pinwheels:

Evenly spread the cheese and herb filling across your rolled pastry, keeping a slight border clear at the edges. Scatter the cranberries on top so each slice gets a pop of fruit.

Roll and Slice:

Beginning at the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut into half-inch slices, giving you distinct swirls in every piece.

Arrange and Brush:

Set your slices swirl side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg to encourage a glossy golden color.

Bake:

Transfer to a 400 degree oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. Watch for puffing and deep golden edges. Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before moving to a platter.

I truly love how feta’s briny kick takes center stage among the creamy and sweet. Last Thanksgiving, my youngest niece declared these her favorite holiday treat and insisted on packing extra for the road.

Storage Tips

Pinwheels are best enjoyed the day you bake them for flaky perfection. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a toaster oven to restore crispness instead of using a microwave which may soften the pastry.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cranberries for finely chopped dried apricots or even currants if you crave something different. Goat cheese makes a wonderful stand in for feta for extra tang. For herbs, mix and match based on what you have on hand—dill and chives make a fresh twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these pinwheels high on a serving board alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and a bowl of honey for dipping. They transport well and are a hit at brunches, picnics, and lunchbox snacks. Try them with a simple arugula salad for a quick, light meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pinwheels echo the classic flavors of Mediterranean pastries while giving a nod to the American love for festive appetizers around the holidays. The blend of cranberries and herbs also gives a subtle wink to New England traditions where tart berries are a seasonal staple.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in rosemary and dried cherries for a wintry twist. Try lemon zest with parsley for a springtime feeling. Pair with fresh basil and thin ribbons of prosciutto for late summer gatherings.

Success Stories

At my neighbor’s baby shower last summer these pinwheels disappeared within minutes and the recipe was passed down to at least three new kitchen converts. Whenever I bring them to a gathering I am asked for the recipe before the plate is even empty.

Freezer Meal Conversion

After slicing your filled pastry into pinwheels freeze them in a single layer. Once solid transfer to a ziptop bag. Bake from frozen adding just a few extra minutes to the bake time—no need to thaw first.

These pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, beautiful and simple at any gathering. Bake extra—they won’t last long.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Which herbs work best for this pinwheel?

Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary add a wonderful savory note, but you can experiment with your favorites.

→ Can frozen cranberries be used instead of fresh?

Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. Chop larger cranberries if needed for even distribution.

→ How can I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Roll the pastry tightly and ensure the seam is placed underneath on the baking tray for best results.

→ Are these best served warm or at room temperature?

They're delicious fresh from the oven but can also be enjoyed at room temperature for easy serving.

→ Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese or ricotta can be used in place of feta, adding a different creamy tang to the filling.