Flaky Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful treat that combines buttery, flaky pastry with the creamy tang of cream cheese and the sweet-tart punch of cranberries. These little spirals are as beautiful as they are tasty, with a lovely mix of textures and flavors that make every bite a nice surprise.
I love making these pinwheels when I want something simple yet special for a snack or party appetizer. What makes them extra fun is how easy they are to customize—I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of orange zest to really brighten up the cranberry flavor. Plus, cream cheese helps keep them soft inside while the pastry crisps up perfectly in the oven.
My favorite way to serve these is slightly warm, right out of the oven, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They’re great for sharing during holiday gatherings or whenever you need a quick, satisfying bite that feels a bit fancy without any fuss. These pinwheels always make me smile and they often vanish quickly once friends get a taste!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the heart of flakiness in these pinwheels. Use store-bought frozen puff pastry for convenience. If unavailable, try phyllo dough sheets, but handle gently to keep crispness.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a smooth, creamy base. You can swap with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder taste. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy pastry.
Dried Cranberries: They add that lovely sweet-tart pop. If you prefer less sweet, try chopped dried cherries or raisins instead. Fresh cranberries can work but need cooking first.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, piney note. If you don’t have fresh, dried rosemary works but use less since it’s stronger. Thyme or sage can be nice alternatives too.
Optional Flavors: The honey and orange zest brighten the filling with sweet and citrus notes. They’re optional but highly recommended for extra depth. Feel free to omit if you like simpler flavors.
How Can You Roll and Cut Puff Pastry Without It Falling Apart?
Handling puff pastry needs a gentle touch to keep those flaky layers intact.
- Keep it cool: Work quickly so the pastry doesn’t get too warm and sticky. Chill it briefly if it softens too much.
- Even spreading: Spread the cream cheese filling carefully, avoiding heavy pressure that might tear the pastry.
- Rolling method: Roll the pastry gently but tightly to create firm layers that hold when sliced.
- Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log cleanly without squishing it.
- Egg wash: Brushing with egg helps seal edges and gives a golden shine after baking.
These steps will help your pinwheels keep their spiral shape with a crispy, flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the pinwheels evenly and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – protects your baking sheet and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – helps slice the rolled pastry cleanly without squishing it.
- Mixing bowl – for blending cream cheese with herbs and seasonings smoothly.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing the egg wash to get a shiny, golden finish.
- Rolling pin (optional) – useful if you want to gently even out the puff pastry.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots for a sweeter, softer bite.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Use fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a milder herb flavor.
- Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese with the cream cheese for tangier, richer pinwheels.
Flaky Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or mild white cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for slight sweetness)
- Zest of 1/2 orange (optional for citrus aroma)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the pinwheels. Baking time is between 15 to 18 minutes, so overall the recipe takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to about a 12×12 inch square to make sure it’s even and ready for the filling.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the finely chopped rosemary, honey or maple syrup (if using), orange zest (if using), plus a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, then add shredded mozzarella if you want a cheesier filling.
5. Roll and Slice:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into about 12 equal pieces, each about 1 inch thick.
6. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the cut pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving roughly 1 inch of space between each. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish after baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh rosemary for a lovely aroma and fresh taste.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Without Thawing First?
It’s best to thaw the puff pastry completely before using so it’s easy to roll and won’t tear. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or for about 30-40 minutes at room temperature until soft but still cool.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels and place them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Substitute the Cranberries with Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots all work well as substitutes depending on your flavor preference.
