These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are flaky, savory-sweet bites made with puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, feta, herbs, and cranberries. They’re elegant, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Hi, I’m Sandy Wilder. Cooking has always been about creating recipes that bring people together without adding stress. I’m not a Michelin chef—just a mom who loves sharing quick, family-friendly dishes. These pinwheels are one of my favorite appetizers because they feel festive but take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. (If you’re a cranberry fan, you’ll also love my white chocolate cranberry cookies.)
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Elegant Yet Easy
They look like fancy pastries but require just a sheet of puff pastry and a handful of ingredients.
Versatile Flavor
The sweet-tart cranberries balance beautifully with creamy cheese and herbs, making them suitable for both appetizers and snacks.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels – Easy Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels—flaky puff pastry filled with cream cheese, feta, herbs, and cranberries. A festive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix cream cheese, feta, and herbs until smooth.
3. Spread filling over puff pastry. Sprinkle cranberries.
4. Roll pastry into a log. Slice into ½-inch pieces.
5. Arrange on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
6. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Chill pastry log before slicing for neat cuts.
Rehydrate dried cranberries for softer texture.
Best served warm from the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels, puff pastry pinwheels, holiday appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cranberries (dried or fresh, chopped)
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Tip: For a creamier filling, you can replace feta with goat cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pastry
Unroll thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll slightly to even out the surface.
2. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, feta, and herbs until smooth and spreadable.
3. Spread & Sprinkle
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Sprinkle cranberries on top.
4. Roll & Slice
Roll the pastry tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into ½-inch pieces.
5. Arrange & Bake
Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
6. Cool & Serve
Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
How to Serve
- Arrange on a festive platter with fresh herbs for garnish.
- Pair with a warm soup like Mexican street corn soup.
- Add them to a holiday appetizer spread with cranberry turkey stuffing balls.
Variations
| Variation | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Sweet Pinwheels | Use cream cheese, honey, and cranberries for a sweeter version. |
| Nutty Twist | Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch. |
| Pumpkin-Cranberry | Blend pumpkin puree with cream cheese for a seasonal twist—like my [pumpkin cheesecake cookies](https://www.eatsrecipes.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-cookies/). |
Tips for Success
- Chill the pastry log: Refrigerate 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Don’t overload filling: Too much cheese can cause leaks while baking.
- Serve fresh: Best enjoyed warm from the oven.
FAQ About Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble the pinwheels, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries work great—rehydrate them in warm water for 5 minutes if you want them softer.
What cheese works best?
Feta adds tang, but goat cheese or shredded mozzarella are delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive, flaky appetizer that balances sweet cranberries with tangy cheese and savory herbs. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want a beautiful bite-sized pastry, this recipe delivers both flavor and presentation.
I’ve tested them several times, and they always disappear quickly at parties. For more cranberry ideas, don’t miss my white chocolate cranberry cookies.
