15-Minute Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels That Wow

Nothing screams “holiday party” like the smell of warm puff pastry baking in the oven! These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels have been my go-to appetizer for every festive gathering since I first stumbled upon the recipe during a chaotic Christmas potluck. I remember frantically searching my pantry for something impressive yet easy to whip up – and voila! The sweet-tart cranberries paired with creamy cheese and flaky pastry were such a hit that my friends still request them every year.

What I love most about these pinwheels (besides how ridiculously simple they are) is how they balance sweet and savory perfectly. The cranberries add that festive pop of color and flavor, while the cream cheese and feta keep things rich and satisfying. They look fancy enough for holiday tables but come together faster than you can say “Santa’s coming!” Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just need a quick snack while wrapping presents, these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels will become your new holiday tradition too.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Let me count the ways these little spirals of joy will steal your heart (and your guests’ appetites):

• Effortless elegance – They look like you spent hours, but the prep is quicker than untangling Christmas lights.
• Sweet meets savory magic – The cranberries’ zing cuts through the rich cream cheese like carolers hitting that perfect high note.
• Party MVP – Always the first appetizer to disappear from platters, guaranteed.
• Holiday in every bite – That ruby-red cranberry swirl? Basically edible garland.

Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be making these on repeat all season.

Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have half of them already! The key is prep:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed overnight in the fridge – I swear by Pepperidge Farm)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it on the counter for 30 minutes – no cheating with the microwave!)
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta (the salty bite is everything)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (scissors work better than a knife here)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, but adds lovely warmth)
• Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, parsley (don’t skip these – they make it taste expensive)
• Olive oil or melted butter for that golden finish

See? Nothing fussy – just pantry staples transformed into holiday magic.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These festive pinwheels come together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one to ensure flaky, golden perfection every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by gently unfolding your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out just enough to smooth any creases – about 10×12 inches. Pro tip: Don’t overwork the dough or it’ll lose its flaky layers. If using crescent dough, press the seams together firmly before rolling.

Step 2: Add Fillings

Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle with feta (or goat cheese for extra tang), then scatter the chopped cranberries like little holiday jewels. Finish with a confetti of fresh herbs and drizzle honey if using. Watch out: Overloading the center will make rolling messy!

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, using the parchment paper to help if needed. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes (this prevents squished pinwheels). Use dental floss (yes, really!) to slice into 1-inch rounds – it gives cleaner cuts than a knife.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pinwheels on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden. Doneness test: The bottoms should sound hollow when tapped. Let cool just until you can resist no longer – that’s when the cheese is at its gooey best!

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

After making these pinwheels more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for absolute perfection:

• Chill before slicing – That 15-minute fridge rest isn’t optional! It prevents the fillings from oozing out when you cut them.
• Taste as you go – Love extra sweetness? Add another drizzle of honey before rolling. Prefer tang? Extra feta never hurts.
• Herb freshness matters – Rub the rosemary between your fingers first to release its oils – the aroma will knock your socks off.
• Slice smarter – Wipe your knife (or floss!) between cuts for picture-perfect spirals every time.

And don’t skimp on garnishing – a sprinkle of parsley and cranberries makes them look straight from a bakery case!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Oh, these little swirls of joy deserve the perfect stage! I love pairing them with a crisp prosecco or mulled wine at holiday parties—the cranberries just sing alongside bubbly. They’re also magic on a charcuterie board, balancing salty meats beautifully. For brunch? Serve warm with a winter citrus salad. Leftover tip: Just pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that flaky magic!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how to keep these pinwheels tasting fresh-baked: Unbaked rolls? Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days (perfect for prepping ahead!). Already baked? Store in an airtight container for 3 days max. Reheating trick: Always use the oven (5 mins at 350°F) – microwaves turn them rubbery! Frozen? Thaw overnight before baking as usual.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels FAQs

I get asked these questions ALL the time when serving these at parties – here’s what you need to know:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You absolutely can! Just chop them finely and toss with 1 tbsp sugar to balance their tartness. Fresh cranberries add a brighter pop but may make the dough slightly wetter – no biggie though!

How far ahead can I prep these?
The unbaked rolls keep beautifully in the fridge for 2 days wrapped tightly in plastic. Or freeze the whole log for up to a month – just add 2-3 minutes to baking time straight from the freezer.

Any cheese substitutes for feta?
Goat cheese works wonderfully, or try blue cheese for extra punch. For a milder twist, ricotta mixed with lemon zest is dreamy.

Why do mine unroll when baking?
Ah, the classic pinwheel panic! This usually means either: 1) You didn’t chill before slicing, or 2) The dough got too warm. No worries – they still taste amazing, just call them “rustic”!

Nutritional Information

Just between us, these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels are definitely a “treat yourself” kind of appetizer – but everything in moderation, right? Here’s the scoop per pinwheel (remember, numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 8g (that’s the buttery puff pastry working its magic)
• Carbs: 12g (mostly from the cranberries and pastry)
• Protein: 3g (thank you, cheese!)

Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! The dried cranberries actually give you a little fiber boost too.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, once you try these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, you’ll be hooked. I make them every holiday season, and they disappear in minutes! Tag me if you make them—I love seeing your creations. Now go roll up some deliciousness and watch your guests go wild!

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