Okay, deep breaths! Let’s talk about the absolute *best* little party bites that look fancy but are secretly a cinch to whip up. I’m talking about Cranberry Feta Pinwheels! Seriously, these are my go-to whenever I need something that disappears from the plate in about two seconds flat. You get that lovely flaky puff pastry wrapping around a creamy, tangy feta filling with pops of sweet-tart cranberries. It’s just… perfection in every swirl.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make these look amazing. Puff pastry is your best friend here, doing all the hard work for you. This recipe is designed for busy folks (like me!) who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a really good snack. I first stumbled on a similar idea years ago and tweaked it until it was exactly how I like it – simple, flavorful, and totally addictive. Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe in your back pocket!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Honestly, what’s not to love?! These little guys are total crowd-pleasers for so many reasons. Here’s why I keep coming back to this Cranberry Feta Pinwheel recipe:
- They’re SO easy: Seriously, if you can unroll puff pastry, you can make these. Minimal fuss, maximum results.
- They look fancy: People are always impressed by the swirls! They look like you spent way more time than you did.
- Party perfect: They’re bite-sized, portable, and disappear FAST at any gathering.
- Sweet & Savory Magic: That combination of creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and flaky pastry is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Super adaptable: You can play around with the herbs or add a pinch of spice if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ingredients for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Alright, let’s talk about the goodies you’ll need to make these magical Cranberry Feta Pinwheels happen. It’s a pretty simple list, honestly, and each thing plays a crucial role in that perfect sweet, savory, and flaky bite. Getting the right ingredients prepped is the first step to success!
Exact Measurements for Perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- 2 sheets (about 8 ounces each) frozen puff pastry, thawed (This is our flaky foundation!)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (Gives us that lovely creamy base for the filling.)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (Hello, tangy goodness!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (Sweet and tart little jewels of flavor!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (Adds a pop of color and fresh herby taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Just a little warmth to balance things out.)
- 1 large egg, beaten (Our little glue and shine for brushing on top.)
Equipment Needed for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
You don’t need a ton of fancy gear for these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, which is another reason I love ’em! Just grab a couple of baking sheets (parchment paper is a lifesaver here, trust me!), a good sharp knife for slicing, and maybe a rolling pin just in case your puff pastry needs a little nudge to be the right size. That’s pretty much it!
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Okay, the moment of truth! Making these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels is surprisingly easy, even if you’re new to puff pastry. Just take your time, follow along, and you’ll have a tray of gorgeous, delicious bites ready in no time. Let’s get baking!
- First things first, get your oven ready! Preheat it to 400°F (that’s 200°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
- Grab one sheet of your thawed puff pastry. It should be cold but not frozen stiff, so it unfolds without cracking. If it’s a little wrinkled, you can gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
- Spread half of that lovely softened cream cheese all the way to the edges of the pastry sheet. Be gentle so you don’t tear the dough.
- Now for the yummy filling! Sprinkle half of your crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, scatter half of the chopped cranberries, half of the fresh parsley, and a little sprinkle of black pepper over everything.
- Here’s the fun part: rolling! Starting from one of the *long* sides, start rolling the pastry up tightly into a log. Try to keep it nice and snug as you go so your pinwheels hold their shape.
- Once you have your log, use a sharp knife to cut it into slices, about 1/2 inch thick. A sharp knife is key here for clean cuts! Place these little pinwheel slices, cut side up, onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between them because they’ll puff up.
- Repeat steps 2-6 with your second sheet of puff pastry and the rest of the filling ingredients.
- Before they go in the oven, give the tops of each pinwheel a brush with your beaten egg. This helps them get that beautiful golden shine.
- Pop those baking sheets into the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown color. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can be a little different!
- Once they’re golden and beautiful, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. They’re best slightly warm or at room temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
The rolling is what makes these pinwheels! After you’ve got your filling spread out nicely on the puff pastry, start at one of the *long* edges. Don’t start from the short side, or you’ll end up with fewer, wider pinwheels! Begin rolling the pastry up, trying to keep it as tight as you can without squishing the filling out the ends. Once you have a nice log, grab your sharpest knife and slice it into about 1/2-inch rounds. Aim for roughly the same thickness so they bake evenly. Don’t worry if a little filling escapes; you can just tuck it back in!
Baking Your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels to Golden Perfection
Getting that perfect golden color is key! You’ll bake your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 15-minute mark. You want them to be visibly puffed up and a lovely golden brown all over. If they’re browning too fast on top, you can loosely tent them with foil, but usually, they’re just fine. When they look done, they *are* done! Don’t overbake them, or they can get a little dry.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Making these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me on these!
- Keep that pastry COLD: This is probably the most important tip! Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still nice and cold when you unroll it. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to work with, and you won’t get those amazing flaky layers.
- Chop those cranberries small: You want the sweet and tart cranberry flavor in every bite, so chop those dried cranberries up finely. Big chunks can make rolling difficult and cause the filling to fall out when you slice.
- Roll it TIGHT: When you roll the pastry into a log, roll it as tightly as you can without squishing everything. A tight roll means your pinwheels will hold their shape beautifully and look like little swirls of deliciousness.
- Use a SHARP knife: Seriously, a dull knife will just flatten your log and make messy pinwheels. A sharp knife slices cleanly through the layers. You can even chill the log for 10-15 minutes before slicing if you’re having trouble!
Variations for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
While the classic Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are absolutely divine, sometimes it’s fun to play around and add a little twist! This recipe is super forgiving and easy to adapt. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried (and loved!) to switch things up:
- Herb Swap: Instead of just parsley, try adding some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme. They pair beautifully with the cranberries and feta and give it a more earthy flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans added to the filling gives a lovely crunch and extra layer of flavor.
- A Touch of Heat: If you like a little kick, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. It’s a surprising but delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Orange Zest: Cranberries and orange are a classic combo! Grate a little fresh orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy note.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite spin on these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are honestly fantastic served warm right out of the oven, or they’re equally delicious once they’ve cooled to room temperature. That makes them perfect for setting out on a platter at a party! You can serve them just as they are, or if you want to be extra, a little bowl of honey for dipping is surprisingly good with the feta and cranberries!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Got questions about making my favorite Cranberry Feta Pinwheels? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked them too! Here are some common things people wonder about these tasty little bites.
Can I Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best things about these savory pinwheels. You can assemble the logs, slice them, and place them on the baking sheet. Then, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just brush with the egg wash and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed since they’re going in cold.
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
If you actually have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store baked Cranberry Feta Pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they’re warm and the pastry crisps up a bit.
Freezing Unbaked Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Want to be super prepared? You can freeze the unbaked Cranberry Feta Pinwheels too! Follow the instructions to assemble and slice the pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet and pop the whole sheet into the freezer until the pinwheels are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. To bake from frozen, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake at the same temperature, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. They might not get *quite* as puffy, but they’ll still be delicious Cranberry Feta Pinwheels!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, a quick note on the numbers! The nutritional information provided for these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific brands of puff pastry, cheese, and other ingredients you use. So, think of it as a helpful guideline, not a strict rule!
Share Your Cranberry Feta Pinwheel Creations
Alright, now it’s your turn! I absolutely LOVE seeing what you guys make. If you whip up a batch of these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, please snap a picture and share it! Let me know how they turned out, if you tried any variations, or if they were a hit at your gathering. I’d love to see your beautiful swirls!
Print
Amazing Cranberry Feta Pinwheels in 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory pinwheels filled with creamy feta cheese and sweet cranberries.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets (about 8 ounces each) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled feta cheese, half of the chopped cranberries, half of the parsley, and half of the pepper over the cream cheese.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining filling ingredients.
- Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before unrolling.
- Chop cranberries finely for even distribution.
- Roll the log tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Feta Appetizer, Cranberry Appetizer, Party Food