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

Scale

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