Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! Recipe
If you are searching for a snack that brings together vibrant flavors, elegant presentation, and a hint of festive cheer, look no further than Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! This delightful appetizer combines the creamy tang of whipped cream cheese with the sweet tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly charming, these pinwheels are sure to become a beloved favorite for holiday gatherings, casual parties, or simply brightening up your day with a burst of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every item plays its own role to create that mouthwatering harmony of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a perfect textural contrast.
- Puff pastry sheet: This flaky, buttery canvas bakes up into golden, delicate layers that make the pinwheels irresistible.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich and smooth base that wraps the cranberries and herbs in creamy goodness.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness while blending beautifully with the cream cheese’s tang.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): A subtle aroma enhancer that lifts the sweetness and balances the tart berries.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Provide bursts of fruity chewiness and eye-catching red color; fresh cranberries finely chopped can also be used if sweetened.
- Fresh chives (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Add a gentle oniony brightness and lovely green flecks to contrast with the reds and whites.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Gives the pinwheels a beautiful golden sheen and helps the Parmesan topping stick if used.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp, grated, optional): A savory finish that deepens flavor and adds delicate crispy texture on top.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight!
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by softening your cream cheese until it’s easily spreadable — this is crucial for creating that luscious, smooth filling. In a bowl, mix cream cheese with honey and vanilla extract until perfectly combined and creamy. Next, fold in the dried cranberries along with the finely chopped fresh chives, ensuring every bite will be bursting with a sweet and savory surprise.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the pastry, right up to the edges. This step is where your pinwheels really start to take shape. Once spread, carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log form — this tight roll means every slice will have gorgeous spiral layers of filling and flaky pastry.
Step 3: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. Slice the rolled pastry log into about 16 equal rounds. Arrange these cut pieces cut-side up on your baking sheet. For a stunning golden finish, brush the tops gently with beaten egg. If you love a touch of cheesy crispiness, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before popping them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pinwheels cool slightly so the flavors settle, but keep them warm or serve at room temperature. Garnish with any remaining fresh chives for that fresh pop of green and an inviting presentation. These pinwheels shine best when shared and enjoyed with friends or family.
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight!
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a few whole dried cranberries on top of each pinwheel can elevate the look and taste, making them feel even more special. For an extra festive touch, consider a light drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle sweet hint that complements the savory notes.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels make a wonderful appetizer or snack on their own but pair beautifully with fresh salad greens dressed in a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. They also complement warm bowls of butternut squash soup or a light chicken salad, creating a well-rounded and nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pinwheels on a festive platter lined with kale leaves or sprigs of rosemary for a rustic look that says holiday celebration. Alternatively, serve them on a wooden board alongside small bowls of cranberry chutney or honey mustard for dipping. This helps bring the flavors alive and encourages mingling over bites bursting with personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Line the container with parchment to keep them from sticking together and maintain their flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these pinwheels either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, slice and arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. For freezing after baking, let them cool completely, then store in a sealed container. This handy tip means you can prepare ahead for any holiday gathering!
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispiness and flaky texture that makes Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you use fresh cranberries, finely chop them and mix with a bit of sugar or honey to sweeten before adding to the cream cheese. This helps reduce tartness and ensures the filling is balanced.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
The recipe as is, with puff pastry and cream cheese, is vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure your puff pastry does not contain any animal-derived shortening or gelatin if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free puff pastry option available in many stores, or try making your own gluten-free dough. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly but the flavor profile remains fantastic.
How long can Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! be left out at a party?
For food safety, do not leave these pinwheels out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers promptly to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a stir before spreading on the puff pastry for best consistency.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! I am reminded how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Their festive look and incredible taste make them a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and share. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bring this joyful recipe into your kitchen and savor the smiles it brings!
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Festive Delight! Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Featuring a buttery puff pastry crust filled with a smooth mixture of cream cheese, honey, vanilla, dried cranberries, and fresh chives, these pinwheels offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Topped with a golden egg wash and optional Parmesan cheese, they bake to crisp, golden perfection and make an elegant, crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 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
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and finely chopped fresh chives, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the pinwheels: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a smooth rectangle, about 10×12 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Slice the log into approximately 16 equal rounds, about ¾ inch thick each.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pinwheel slices cut-side up on the sheet, leaving a little space between each. Lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to promote browning. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops for an extra savory finish.
- Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pinwheels for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with additional fresh chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener if you use vegan puff pastry and cream cheese alternatives.
- If using fresh cranberries, finely chop and toss them with a bit of sugar before adding for sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based cream cheese and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- These pinwheels can also be frozen after baking. Thaw and warm them up in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizer, puff pastry appetizers, holiday snacks, festive finger food, savory bites
