Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs are my secret weapon for effortless crowd-pleasing appetizers. The buttery puff pastry wraps around a tangy creamy filling touched with sweet cranberries and fresh herbs making every bite irresistible. Whether for a holiday party or a quick snack for surprise guests these pinwheels have never let me down.

I first made these to use up leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving and now my friends always ask for the recipe. The combination of melty cheese with flaky pastry is addictive in the best way.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Look for one that is all-butter for the richest flavor
• Cream cheese: Softened so it spreads easily
• Cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: Either adds tart sweetness use sauce for smooth swirls or dried for chewy pockets
• Feta cheese: Crumbled for tang and saltiness choose a block and crumble it yourself for freshness
• Fresh herbs: Parsley or rosemary give vibrant flavor chop just before using for best aroma
• Egg plus water: For egg wash ensures the pinwheels bake glossy and golden

How to Make It

Prep and preheat:

Set the oven to 375 F or 190 C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Roll out the pastry:

Gently roll your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and smooth out any creases so every bite is even

Spread the cream cheese:

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly cover the pastry leaving about a half-inch border so it seals later

Add cranberry and feta:

Scatter either cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries over the cream cheese then evenly sprinkle crumbled feta for a perfect balance in every bite

Sprinkle on herbs:

Chop your herbs finely and scatter liberally over the whole surface to infuse the pinwheels with freshness

Roll and slice:

Starting with the long edge roll the pastry up tightly into a log making sure the filling stays tucked in then slice into one-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife

Arrange and egg wash:

Lay the slices cut side up on your prepared tray gently re-shaping any that squashed in cutting then brush the tops with an egg beaten with water for ultimate color

Bake to perfection:

Slide into the hot oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden fragrant and sizzling

I always love how the fresh herbs lift the whole flavor profile of these pinwheels. Fresh rosemary especially reminds me of my grandmother’s garden and brings a festive scent to the kitchen. I still remember making these with my niece for her first Christmas as soon as they came out of the oven we agreed they were a new tradition.

Flavor Boosters

Chop your herbs just before using for the brightest flavor. For extra tang swap goat cheese for feta or toss dried cranberries with orange zest before scattering over the filling. A sprinkle of lemon zest in the cream cheese brings even more freshness to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pinwheels warm on a pretty platter with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle a bit of honey on top for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine mulled cider or alongside a fresh mixed greens salad for brunch.

Creative Twists

For a spring treat try swapping cranberries for chopped dried apricots and using chives with goat cheese. In summer add basil pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Or for a more savory take add chopped pecans and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

These pinwheels are true party pleasers and come together so easily you will want them in your rotation forever. Every batch disappears fast—do not be surprised if you are asked for the recipe again and again.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes, both chopped dried cranberries and cranberry sauce work well. Dried cranberries offer a chewy texture and concentrated flavor, while cranberry sauce provides a softer, tangier bite.

→ Which herbs pair best with these pinwheels?

Parsley and rosemary are great choices. Alternatively, try thyme or chives for a different herbal note. Fresh herbs add a vibrant finish to the creamy filling.

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

Roll the puff pastry tightly and slice with a sharp knife. Placing them cut side up on parchment ensures they hold their shape through baking.

→ Can I prepare pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and slice the pinwheels in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before baking for best results.

→ What is the ideal serving temperature?

These pinwheels are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, but remain tasty at room temperature, making them a versatile party snack.