Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These pinwheels are made with flaky pastry rolled up with tangy cranberries, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice that really brings out the Christmas spirit. Their bright red berries and golden, buttery crust make them as pretty as they are tasty.
I love making these cranberry pinwheels because they’re so easy to prepare but look like you spent hours in the kitchen. I often sneak a few extra berries into the filling for some extra pop, and sometimes I add a little orange zest to brighten up the flavor even more. They always disappear fast, which tells me everyone is as hooked on them as I am!
The best way I like to serve these pinwheels is warm from the oven, straight onto a festive plate. They make a wonderful snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet side at holiday brunch. They’re great to bring along to holiday parties since they’re easy to eat with your hands and share with friends and family. You’ll definitely want to keep the recipe handy all season long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff pastry: This is the base of the pinwheels, giving a flaky and buttery texture. You can use store-bought sheets for convenience. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry in specialty stores or online.
Dried cranberries: They add a tart pop to contrast the cheese. If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries or raisins are good alternatives. For extra freshness, some lemon zest brightens the flavors nicely.
Cheese: Mozzarella or white cheddar works well for melting. I prefer mozzarella for its mild taste and gooey texture. You could also try Swiss or Monterey Jack for a slight twist.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions add color and a fresh note. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work but use less to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Cream cheese and mustard: Cream cheese adds creaminess, and Dijon mustard is optional for a gentle tang. If you’re not sure about mustard, you can leave it out or replace it with a mild mayo.
How Do You Roll and Slice Puff Pastry for Perfect Pinwheels?
Rolling and slicing puff pastry evenly is key to nice pinwheels. Here’s how I do it:
- After spreading the fillings, roll the pastry slowly and tightly from one edge, like a cinnamon roll. This helps keep the filling snug and even.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the roll into pinwheels about ½ inch thick. A dull knife can squash the roll and misshape the pinwheels.
- Place slices flat on a lined baking sheet to give space for puffing up in the oven.
Don’t rush this step; gentle rolling and careful slicing lead to neat, beautiful pinwheels that bake evenly and look great when served.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Rolling pin – makes it simple to roll out the puff pastry evenly.
- Sharp knife or dental floss – helps you cut clean, even slices without squishing the roll.
- Small mixing bowl – for blending the cream cheese mixture.
- Pastry brush (optional) – if you want to brush the pinwheels with egg wash for a shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries or raisins for different fruit flavors.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spread some fig jam or orange marmalade before rolling for a sweeter twist.
- Try different cheeses, such as Gruyère or feta, depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, adds brightness)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for subtle sweetness)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), honey or maple syrup (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
Unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, then scatter the dried cranberries and chopped parsley or green onions over the cheese.
4. Roll, Slice, and Bake
Starting from one edge, gently but firmly roll the pastry into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into slices about half an inch thick. Place the pinwheel slices cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve Warm and Enjoy
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your festive cranberry pinwheels as a tasty holiday appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the fridge overnight before using. Working with fully thawed pastry helps it roll and bake evenly.
How Can I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature briefly before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Dried Cranberries?
If you don’t have dried cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots work well as flavorful substitutes in this recipe.
