Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

A Warm Welcome Little Bite

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and flaky—all in bite-sized form. They’re ideal for the holiday season or any get-together, delivering bright flavors with minimal effort. These pinwheels are quick to prepare, visually appealing, and always welcome on the appetizer table.

Why These Pinwheels Stand Out

Easy to Prepare: About 20 minutes of prep and they’re ready to go.
Delicious Flavor Balance: The sweetness of honey or maple syrup pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, all wrapped in a buttery puff pastry.
Versatile: Great for festive celebrations or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dried cranberries (or finely chopped fresh cranberries, sweetened)
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Preparation

Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the cranberries and chopped chives gently.
Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pastry to a rectangular sheet (~¼ inch thick). Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
Shape the Pinwheels
Starting at one edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Slice into about 16 pieces. Lay them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for 15–18 minutes—until the pinwheels are puffed and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra chives for color, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Always use softened cream cheese for easy blending.
The egg wash is key for that glossy, golden top.
Chill the cream cheese filling briefly if you want a firmer, easier-to-spread texture.
Watch your oven closely—every oven heats differently.
Feel free to experiment with fillings—think herbs like basil or tweaks like adding a little spice.

Creative Variations to Try

Herbed Version: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil to the spread.
Spicy Twist: Stir in red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño.
Crunch Factor: Toss in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great).
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap cream cheese with a plant-based version and use a flax-based egg wash.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch.
Include these pinwheels on an appetizer board.
Drink pairings: sparkling cider or a chilled white wine complement the flavors beautifully.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

You can prep and slice the pinwheels ahead of time—keep them chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Leftovers stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the flakiness.