Introduction

These Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels make a festive and flavorful party appetizer that’s simple to prepare. Crisp puff pastry surrounds a creamy, tangy filling with bursts of sweet cranberries and fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Four thick pinwheel rolls sit on a wooden board, each made of a soft, golden-baked dough rolled tightly with visible layers of creamy white cheese, green chopped herbs, and vibrant red cranberries scattered throughout. The outer dough has a light browning, showing a slightly crispy texture, while the inside layers look soft and moist. Fresh green herb sprigs rest around the pinwheels as garnish. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (approx. 500g)
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened
4 oz (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
1 tbsp light brown sugar
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt, to taste
1 large egg
1 tbsp water or milk
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Whole fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Soften cream cheese to room temperature. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Step 2: Finely mince fresh rosemary and thyme. Chop dried cranberries. Add cranberries, herbs, light brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Roll it into an approximate 10×12-inch rectangle, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Evenly spread half of the filling over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log, pinching the seam closed along the border to seal it.
Step 5: Wrap the pastry log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, until firm.
Step 6: Remove the log from plastic wrap and slice into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 6 with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining filling.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the pinwheels on the sheets with about 1 inch of space between each.
Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or milk. Lightly brush the tops and edges of each pinwheel with the egg wash.
Step 10: Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Rotate trays halfway through baking if needed.
Step 11: Let pinwheels cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries if desired.

Tips & Variations

Try adding finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
For a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling.
Add a teaspoon of orange zest to brighten the flavors with a citrus note.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme can be used, but use about one-third the amount.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes to preserve crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows six small, round pinwheel pastries arranged on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each pinwheel has a creamy white base with visible layers of soft dough and creamy cheese, interspersed with bright red dried cranberries and small green herb pieces. The edges are golden-brown and slightly crispy, while the center swirls display a mix of white cheese, dark red cranberries, and fresh green herbs that add contrast in color and texture. In the background, a white bowl filled with additional cranberries is slightly out of focus, giving depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pinwheel logs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolled logs up to the chilling step a day in advance. Wrap them tightly and refrigerate. On the day of serving, slice, apply egg wash, and bake fresh.

Can these pinwheels be frozen?

Unbaked sliced pinwheels can be frozen by first arranging them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.