Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack. These flaky puff pastry bites combine tangy cranberries with creamy, sweetened cream cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, finely chopped & sweetened)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped chives until evenly mixed.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry.
3. Step 3: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 16 equal rounds, about ½ inch thick each.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pinwheel slices cut-side up on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
5. Step 5: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the pinwheels. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory touch.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh chives if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries sweetened with a little sugar if you prefer a less chewy texture than dried cranberries.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle warm spice flavor.
• For a savory variation, omit the honey and vanilla, and add finely chopped cooked bacon or smoked salmon.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure easy spreading and a smooth filling.
• Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but homemade puff pastry can elevate the dish.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they should be finely chopped and sweetened beforehand to balance their tartness and soften their texture.

Can these pinwheels be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pinwheels, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked pinwheels and bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.4 from 71 reviews

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are delightful, flaky pastries with a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy filling accented by fresh chives and cranberries. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine buttery puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and lightly topped with Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, finely chopped & sweetened)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

Egg Wash & Topping

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped chives until evenly incorporated into the mixture.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it evenly. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 16 equal rounds, each about ½ inch thick.
3. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the pinwheel slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion. Beat the egg and lightly brush it over the tops of the pinwheels. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pinwheels for a savory finish.
4. Bake and serve: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pinwheels for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with additional fresh chives. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy their full flavor and flaky texture.

Notes

• For a vegan alternative, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• If using fresh cranberries, chop finely and sweeten before mixing to balance tartness.
• Ensure puff pastry is thawed completely for easier rolling and even baking.
• Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a nice savory contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
• Pinwheels are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, holiday snacks, cream cheese appetizers, easy baked finger food