Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something truly comforting about warm, flaky pinwheels fresh out of the oven — especially when they bring together tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs. Whenever I make these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe, the aroma instantly fills my kitchen with cozy vibes that invite everyone to gather ’round.

You’ll find that these golden, buttery bites are surprisingly easy to make but taste like you spent hours crafting them. I love how the sharp feta balances the sweetness of cranberries, while the herbs lend just the right hint of earthiness. Whether you’re prepping for a casual brunch or a festive gathering, these pinwheels always steal the show.

Stick with me through this recipe — I’ll share tips to help you nail the texture, flavor, and presentation so your pinwheels come out beautifully puffed and crisp every time.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky foundation — choose thawed but still cold puff pastry for the best puff.
• Cream cheese: Softened for easy spreading, its lush creaminess pairs beautifully with tart cranberries.
• Cranberry sauce or dried cranberries: Adds that signature sweet-tart pop; dried cranberries can be soaked briefly for juiciness.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled for bursts of salty tang that cut through the richness perfectly.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary): Bright parsley or aromatic rosemary, finely chopped — these fresh notes elevate the flavors.
• Egg wash (egg + water): Brushed on top for that beautifully shiny, golden finish that makes pinwheels irresistible.

Set Up for Success

To keep things smooth, start by thawing your puff pastry in the fridge (usually overnight) until it’s pliable but still cool. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this simple step helps crisp up the bottoms without sticking. When you roll out the puff pastry, lightly flour your surface to avoid tearing but resist too much flour, which can dry out your dough.

Step-by-Step: Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper — this helps the bottoms crisp to a beautiful golden brown.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. I like to press out any creases gently without stretching too thin, so the pastry stays tender and puffy.
3. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. This creamy layer helps everything stick and adds luscious moisture.
4. Evenly sprinkle the cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries over the cream cheese. The berries add a burst of sweet-tart flavor that really wakes up the palate.
5. Add the crumbled feta cheese next — these little bursts of saltiness create a stunning contrast with the cranberries.
6. Scatter your chopped fresh herbs on top, choosing parsley for brightness or rosemary for a woodsy note. These herbs give the pinwheels an aromatic lift you’ll love.
7. Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log. Don’t rush this step — a snug roll helps the pinwheels keep their shape while baking.
8. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly for even puffing.
9. Brush each pinwheel with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water. This step is what gives your pinwheels that toasty, golden, glossy finish that’s so tempting.
10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, keeping an eye for them to puff up fully and turn a deep golden color. The filling will bubble lightly, and the scent in your kitchen will be irresistible.

Flavor Twists for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

• Swap rosemary for fresh thyme or basil for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Use fig jam in place of cranberry sauce for a deeper, sweeter note.
• Try goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier, earthier creaminess.
• Incorporate a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle heat twist.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days; gently reheat in a warm oven to refresh crispness.
• Freeze before baking: Slice pinwheels and freeze on a tray, then store in bags; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Freeze after baking: Cool completely then freeze in layers with parchment for up to 1 month—reheat in oven for maximum flakiness.
• Make filling ahead: Mix cream cheese, herbs, and feta up to a day in advance for quicker assembly.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes—just thaw it in the fridge overnight; avoid microwaving as it becomes too soft to work with.
• What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be used sparingly, but fresh gives that vibrant lift unlike anything else.
• Can I make this vegan? Try using vegan cream cheese, a plant-based egg wash substitute (like almond milk), and a vegan puff pastry to adapt this recipe.
• Why isn’t my puff pastry puffing up? It’s usually because the dough got too warm or the egg wash was skipped—make sure to keep everything cold and brush the pinwheels before baking.
• Any tips for serving? These pinwheels shine warm but also taste lovely at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or packed lunches.

Print