Festive Holiday Pinwheels with Cranberry and Cream Cheese

Hey there! If you’re searching for that perfect holiday appetizer that looks fancy but is an absolute breeze to make, this recipe for Holiday Pinwheels with Cranberry and Cream Cheese is your answer. The combination of tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and soft, flaky pastry makes these pinwheels the star of any festive table. I first made these for a holiday gathering last year, and they were gone in a flash—guests literally fought over the last one!

Here’s the hook: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and flaky—all wrapped into a bite-sized treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. Let’s make snack time sparkle this holiday season!

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Perfect for Entertaining**: These pinwheels are finger food at its finest—easy to grab and great for mingling.
– **Festively Beautiful**: The pops of cranberry red look stunning on any table.
– **Super Simple**: Made with just a handful of ingredients, they come together in under 30 minutes.
– **Make Ahead Friendly**: You can prep these ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

### **Ingredients Breakdown**
– **Puff Pastry**: Store-bought frozen puff pastry keeps this recipe easy while still delivering buttery, flaky results. Just make sure to thaw it before use!
– **Cream Cheese**: I like to use room temperature cream cheese for easy spreading. For a tangier option, try goat cheese!
– **Cranberry Sauce**: Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce works here—just make sure it’s not too runny.
– **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional)**: Add a bit of crunch to balance the creamy textures.
– **Fresh Rosemary**: A sprinkle of chopped rosemary adds a festive touch and an herbaceous aroma that’s perfect for the holidays.

**Pro Tip**: No cranberry sauce? No problem! Substitute with fig jam or even a spiced orange marmalade for a different spin.

### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. **Roll Out the Puff Pastry**: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth the creases—don’t overdo it!
3. **Spread the Cream Cheese**: Evenly spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the entire surface of the pastry. Don’t skimp—this is the creamy magic that holds everything together.
4. **Add Cranberry Sauce**: Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese, spreading it as evenly as possible. Leave about half an inch of space along the edges for sealing.
5. **Sprinkle Toppings**: Scatter chopped nuts and rosemary over the cranberry layer, pressing them gently so they stick.
6. **Roll It Up**: Starting at one side, tightly roll up the puff pastry into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into ½-inch slices.
7. **Bake**: Place the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
8. **Cool and Serve**: Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. They’re best served warm but taste just as good at room temperature.

### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Don’t Overfill**: Less is more when it comes to the filling—too much and it’ll spill out while baking.
– **Chill the Roll**: If your pastry feels too soft after rolling, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape.
– **Double the Batch**: Trust me, these disappear fast. Make extra if you’re serving a crowd!

### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Variation Ideas**:
– Swap cranberry sauce for apricot preserves or apple butter for a different flavor profile.
– Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese for extra holiday warmth.
– **Serving Suggestions**:
– Pair these pinwheels with a charcuterie board or a sparkling cranberry mocktail for a complete holiday spread.
– Garnish with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for extra flair.

### **FAQs**
**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely! Roll and slice the pinwheels, then store them in the fridge (covered) up to 1 day before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

**Q: Can I freeze them?**
A: Yes! Freeze the unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

**Q: How do I reheat leftovers?**
A: Pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

#### **Ingredients**
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup cranberry sauce
– 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

#### **Instructions**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border.
4. Spoon cranberry sauce over cream cheese and sprinkle with nuts and rosemary.
5. Roll the pastry into a log, then slice into ½-inch pieces.
6. Place slices on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

I hope you adore these little bites of holiday cheer as much as my family does! If you make them, don’t forget to share your creations with me—tag your photos on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid. Happy holidays and happy snacking!