Fig Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Flaky golden pinwheels bursting with sweet figs and tangy goat cheese have become my go-to party bite. Every time friends stop by on short notice or I want to add something special to the brunch table, these simple puff pastry treats never fail to impress and disappear fast.

I still remember the first time I made a double batch for a crowded holiday brunch. They vanished in under five minutes and not a crumb was left. Even the self-proclaimed fig skeptics asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Ensures crisp flaky layers every time and makes prep simple. Pick a good-quality all-butter brand for the best flavor
• Soft goat cheese: Gives rich creamy tang and spreads easily. Let it warm to room temperature before using for easy assembly
• Fig jam or fresh or dried figs: Bring complex sweetness. Choose a thick preserve for the neatest swirls or try fresh sliced figs for a juicy twist
• Honey: Adds an optional touch of floral sweetness. I love a drizzle of local honey if your figs are a little tart
• Thyme leaves: Give these pinwheels a fresh savory lift. Go for fresh thyme for the cleanest flavor but dried works too
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Bring subtle crunch to contrast the silky cheese and jam. Toast the nuts first for the best nutty aroma
• Egg: For brushing the tops of each pinwheel adding that irresistible glossy finish
• Fresh thyme leaves, honey drizzle, or cracked black pepper: Provide lovely garnishes

Instructions

Thaw and Prep:

Let the puff pastry soften in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature until it is flexible but still cool. Flour your work surface lightly and roll the pastry to smooth the folds into a rectangle about ten by twelve inches

Spread the Filling:

With a spatula or the back of a spoon gently spread the creamy goat cheese evenly over the pastry leaving a half inch border clear on all sides. Top with fig jam or slices making sure not to overload so the pastry rolls up easily. Drizzle with honey if you want a hint of extra sweetness then scatter thyme leaves and nuts for added crunch and flavor

Form and Slice:

Roll the pastry up tightly from the long edge to form a neat spiral log. With a sharp knife cut the log into about twenty slices letting each pinwheel keep its shape as you transfer to the next step

Bake:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for clean removal. Place the pinwheels slightly apart on the tray then brush each one with beaten egg for shine and color. Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes or until gorgeously golden and flaky

Finish and Serve:

Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes so they hold together. Add a few thyme leaves a stream of honey or a twist of black pepper to balance all the rich flavors before piling them onto a platter

There is just something magical about toasted walnuts tucked inside each roll. The aroma fills the kitchen and reminds me of baking with my grandmother who loved sneaking nuts into every treat she made

Storage Tips

Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To bring them back to life simply heat them for a few minutes in a hot oven so the pastry regains its flakiness. These are wonderful make-ahead snacks for events

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the goat cheese for creamy ricotta or even brie if you prefer a milder taste. Apricot or cherry preserves offer lovely alternatives to fig jam. Almonds or pistachios work great in place of walnuts for a different nutty bite

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels look gorgeous stacked on a wooden board alongside fresh grapes cheese wedges and a few sprigs of herbs. They are just as happy next to a fall soup or as part of a breakfast spread with coffee

Cultural and Seasonal Touches

Dried figs and goat cheese are classic Mediterranean ingredients but this appetizer feels right at home on any festive table. In summer try fresh figs and swap the thyme for basil. Come fall I love a little rosemary and a hint of orange zest in the filling

Keep a box of puff pastry in your freezer and you are never more than half an hour away from a showstopper appetizer that makes every gathering feel a little more festive

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use fresh figs instead of jam?

Yes, thinly slice fresh figs or use dried figs as a direct substitute for fig jam or preserves. Adjust sweetness to taste.

→ What pastry works best for pinwheels?

Puff pastry provides a light, flaky texture and holds the goat cheese and fig filling well.

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

Chill the rolled pastry log before slicing for clean cuts, and ensure you pinch the seam closed before baking.

→ Are there nut-free options for this dish?

Simply omit walnuts or pecans if you wish to keep the filling nut-free, or substitute with seeds for crunch.

→ What herbs pair well with figs and goat cheese?

Fresh thyme is a classic, but rosemary or tarragon can also add a lovely aromatic note to the filling.

→ Can these pinwheels be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble and chill the unbaked pinwheels up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving for best texture.