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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-pinwheels-recipe/