If you love festive flavors and easy-to-make appetizers, then you are going to be head-over-heels for this Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe. Bursting with tart cranberries, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these pinwheels are the perfect party treat. Whether it’s a cozy holiday gathering or an elegant New Year’s celebration, these bite-sized delights bring a wonderful pop of color and a delicious balance of savory and sweet that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each adds its own magic, whether it’s the buttery puff pastry providing a golden crust, or the fresh herbs bringing vibrant flavors to life.
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, approx. 17.3 ounces): The flaky base that makes these pinwheels irresistibly light and crispy.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds smoothness and a mild tang that blends beautifully with feta.
- Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Brings that salty, crumbly texture with a rich, savory punch.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup, finely chopped): For bursts of natural sweetness that brighten the filling and add festive cheer.
- Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, finely minced): Offers a piney aroma that perfectly complements the other herbs.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon, finely minced): Adds subtle earthiness and depth of flavor.
- Light brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the tartness with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Provides a gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon, optional): Enhances the savory notes if you like a mild garlicky undertone.
- Salt (a pinch, to taste): Essential for rounding out all flavors just right.
- Egg (1 large): For the egg wash that creates a beautiful golden glaze on the pinwheels.
- Water or milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with egg to help brush a shiny finish on the pastry.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Whip the Cream Cheese
Start by letting your cream cheese come to room temperature for about 15 minutes so it’s soft and spreadable. Then whip it until it’s fluffy and light, creating the perfect creamy base for the filling. This step is key because a smooth filling spreads easily and blends beautifully with the feta and other ingredients.
Step 2: Fold in Feta Cheese
Gently incorporate the crumbled feta into the whipped cream cheese, maintaining some of its crumbly texture to add delightful bites of salty richness throughout the filling. This contrast in texture makes every mouthful exciting.
Step 3: Mix in Fresh Herbs and Cranberries
Finely chop the rosemary and thyme, then fold them into the cheese mixture along with the finely chopped dried cranberries. The herbs lend an earthy brightness while the cranberries bring bright pops of color and sweet-tart flavor essential for that holiday vibe.
Step 4: Season the Filling
Add in the brown sugar, black pepper, optional garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until everything is blended harmoniously, balancing savory, sweet, and peppery notes that make this filling uniquely festive.
Step 5: Prepare and Roll the Puff Pastry
Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. For a uniform thickness and better bake, roll it out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Spread half the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a half-inch border along one long edge free for sealing. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed to secure the filling.
Step 6: Chill the Pastry Log
Wrap your rolled log in plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for 15-20 minutes or the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making slicing easier and helping the pinwheels keep their shape while baking.
Step 7: Slice and Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into ½-inch thick rounds, revealing the beautiful spiral of cranberry, feta, and herbs. Arrange them on the baking sheets with some space for even baking.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and water or milk, then brush this luscious mixture over the tops of each pinwheel. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistibly flaky. Let them cool slightly on the pans before transferring to a rack. Now, your Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme on top just before serving adds a fresh burst of color and aroma. If you want to get fancy, a delicate drizzle of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar can complement the cranberries brilliantly.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels shine as a starter or snack but also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad. A tangy vinaigrette or citrus dressing enhances the flavors, making the whole meal feel merry and balanced. They also work beautifully alongside a charcuterie board or a bowl of spiced nuts for diverse textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your pinwheels on a platter lined with fresh pine sprigs or holly berries. Serve them in tiers on a cake stand or alongside small bowls of cranberry sauce or herb-infused cream cheese dip to amp up the party appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep well and maintain their flavor and flakiness if protected from moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheel logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then slice and bake as usual. This makes them a great make-ahead holiday appetizer option.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. This will refresh the crispness of the pastry while warm and melty again inside—far superior to microwave reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are more tart and contain more moisture, which can affect the pastry’s texture. If using fresh, chop them finely and consider reducing any added moisture elsewhere to maintain a crisp bake. Dried cranberries are ideal for this recipe’s balance.
Is it possible to make these pinwheels vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your puff pastry and any other ingredients are free from animal-derived additives if you want to keep things strictly vegetarian.
Can I substitute other herbs for rosemary and thyme?
Sure! Fresh sage, basil, or oregano could add unique twists, but rosemary and thyme offer a classic pairing that complements cranberries and feta beautifully for that inspired holiday flavor.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You could try phyllo dough or crescent roll dough, but puff pastry provides that signature flakiness that makes these pinwheels special. If using substitutes, adjust bake times and temperatures as needed.
How long can I prepare the filling in advance?
The filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and kept covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe truly stands out as a festive crowd-pleaser that is as simple as it is impressive. The balance of flavors, the festive colors, and the flaky pastry come together to create a dish that feels like a holiday hug on a plate. I encourage you to whip up a batch for your next celebration—you’ll be thrilled at how quickly these disappear!
Print
Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful holiday appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, tangy cranberry and feta filling accented by fresh herbs. Perfect for parties, they bake to golden perfection and make an impressive yet simple finger food that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets Frozen puff pastry (approx. 17.3 ounces)
Filling
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
For egg wash
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Water or milk
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until it becomes soft and spreadable.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy for approximately 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or spatula.
- Fold in the feta cheese: Gently add the crumbled feta cheese into the whipped cream cheese, maintaining the texture and avoiding overmixing.
- Mince the fresh herbs: Finely chop the rosemary and thyme, then stir them into the cheese mixture to infuse fresh aromatic flavors.
- Chop the cranberries: Finely chop the dried cranberries and mix them evenly into the filling for bursts of sweet-tart flavor.
- Combine the seasonings: Add the light brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt, folding gently until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the pastry: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface, ready for rolling. Optionally, roll the pastry to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness for even baking.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread half of the creamy cranberry feta filling over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge to seal.
- Roll the pastry: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log, pinching the seam to secure the filling inside.
- Chill the log: Wrap the rolled pastry in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the log: Remove the chilled log from the fridge/freezer and cut into ½-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife, revealing the festive filling.
- Arrange the pinwheels: Place the pinwheels spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for even baking.
- Whisk the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with water or milk, then brush this over the tops of the pinwheels to promote a golden brown, shiny crust.
- Bake the pinwheels: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Cool on the baking sheet: Remove from oven and let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool further.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before whipping to create a smooth filling.
- Chilling the rolled log makes slicing cleaner and helps maintain the pinwheel shape during baking.
- If you prefer a more pronounced herb flavor, increase the fresh rosemary and thyme slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
