Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive and delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. These flaky, creamy, and slightly sweet bites combine the tartness of cranberries with savory chives for a balanced treat everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 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 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped chives until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, then carefully roll it tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into approximately 16 equal rounds.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pinwheel slices cut-side up, spacing them slightly apart. Lightly brush each with the beaten egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 18 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter twist, try adding a touch of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute fresh chopped cranberries with dried ones if fresh are not available, but soak dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes to soften.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of chives for an earthier flavor.
• Make these pinwheels ahead of time and freeze before baking; bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen after baking; just thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pastry for these pinwheels?

Yes, you can use puff pastry or even phyllo dough, but puff pastry works best for its flaky, tender texture. If using phyllo, layer multiple sheets with butter to achieve a similar effect.

How do I prevent the pinwheels from getting soggy?

Make sure to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly and avoid overfilling. Also, baking them on parchment and ensuring proper oven temperature helps create a crisp exterior that prevents sogginess.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.5 from 104 reviews

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and tangy cream cheese mixture that includes cranberries and fresh chives, baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and beautifully presented, making them ideal for entertaining or as a flavorful snack.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

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

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and finely chopped fresh chives to evenly distribute the flavors.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the entire pastry sheet in a thin layer. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 16 equal-sized rounds.
3. Preheat and 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 baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for puffing.
4. Apply egg wash and bake: Lightly beat the egg and brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash to help them achieve a glossy, golden finish. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops. Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
5. Serve: Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with extra fresh chives if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

• If using fresh cranberries, chop finely and toss with a bit of sugar before mixing into the filling to balance tartness.
• For a vegan alternative, use vegan cream cheese and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or oil.
• Pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking; add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Parmesan topping is optional but adds a nice savory contrast to the sweet filling.
• Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed and cold before rolling to achieve the best puff during baking.

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry snack, holiday appetizers, festive finger food, easy party snacks