These cream cheese pinwheels are the holiday appetizer I come back to year after year, and one bite makes it obvious why. Picture creamy, tangy cream cheese swirled together with tart dried cranberries and a scatter of green onions, all rolled up in flaky, buttery puff pastry and sliced into pretty spirals. They are festive, they are easy, and they are just plain delicious, the sort of thing that disappears from the platter before you have even set down the tray.
The best part is how effortless they are for something that looks so impressive. With store-bought puff pastry and a handful of ingredients, you can assemble these in minutes, and they are wonderful for making ahead. Whether you are throwing a casual brunch or a full-blown holiday party, these pinwheels feel fancy while being an absolute breeze to pull off. Let us roll, literally, into this simple and flavorful recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pinwheels are quick and simple, needing just a few ingredients to come together into something special. There is no complicated technique and no long ingredient list, just spread, sprinkle, roll, and slice. That makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser fast.
They also deliver those festive flavors everyone loves. The tangy cream cheese against the tart-sweet cranberries wrapped in golden puff pastry practically screams holiday, and the green onions add a savory note that keeps them from being too sweet. It is a combination that suits Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every gathering in between.
On top of that, they are make-ahead friendly and endlessly customizable. You can prep the log the night before and slice and bake just before guests arrive, and you can dress them up with nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of honey to make them your own. Few appetizers offer this much flexibility for so little effort.
Ingredients
The base is 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed. Grab a package from the freezer aisle for ease and be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions so it unfolds without cracking. Cold, pliable pastry is the key to clean, tidy pinwheels.
For the filling you will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened so it spreads smoothly and easily. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start so it is at room temperature. Then you will add 1/3 cup of dried cranberries, which bring a lovely tang and a pop of festive color, and 2 chopped green onions for a mild oniony flavor and a bit of crunch that balances the richness of the cheese.
That short list is all you need, but the recipe welcomes additions. A flavored cream cheese such as herb or garlic adds an extra punch, and a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or pecans over the cream cheese before rolling brings a delightful crunch. Dried cherries or apricots can stand in for the cranberries if you are feeling creative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to gently roll it out, smoothing any creases so the pastry is even and ready for that perfect bake.
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about half an inch of bare pastry around the edges. You want a nice layer but not too thick, just enough to get that creamy goodness into every bite without it squeezing out as you roll.
Gently scatter the dried cranberries and chopped green onions over the cream cheese, distributing them evenly so every slice gets a little of each. Then, starting at one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Take your time here so the roll is snug and the filling stays neatly tucked inside rather than spilling out.
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into half-inch pinwheels and arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to puff. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and flaky. Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pinwheels
If the puff pastry gets too warm and sticky while you roll, pop the log in the fridge for about 10 minutes before slicing. Chilling firms everything up and makes for much cleaner cuts, which gives you those neat, defined spirals rather than squashed ones. For an even prettier finish, brush the tops with a little egg wash before baking so they turn beautifully golden.
Do not overcrowd the pan, since these need room to puff up as they bake. Give each pinwheel a couple of inches of space so hot air can circulate and every side crisps up evenly. If you love a savory-sweet twist, a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts scattered over the cream cheese before rolling adds wonderful crunch.
These pinwheels are right at home among other easy puff pastry bites. Try them alongside a batch of garlic parmesan puff pastry twists for variety, or plate them next to elegant cranberry goat cheese stuffed endive to carry the cranberry theme across your whole appetizer board.
Kitchen Gear for This Recipe
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Heavy-Duty Sheet Pan Set
- Glass Mixing Bowl Set
As an Amazon Associate, The Kitchen’s Aid earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. You can even freeze the log, then slice and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350 degree F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to crisp the pastry back up.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended because they have a concentrated sweetness and add less moisture. Fresh cranberries can release too much liquid and make the pinwheels soggy, though lightly roasting them with sugar first can help.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely. An herb or garlic cream cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweet cranberries beautifully. It is an easy way to customize the recipe.
Do I need to use egg wash?
Egg wash is optional but recommended. Brushing the tops before baking gives the pinwheels a lovely golden shine, though they will still bake up delicious without it.
These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels are the easy, impressive appetizer that always steals the show at a gathering. For more healthy eating ideas to round out your holiday menu, there is plenty of inspiration to explore. If you make a batch, I would love to see them, so snap a photo and tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram to share your creations.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
American · Appetizer
Tangy cream cheese, tart dried cranberries, and green onions rolled in flaky puff pastry and sliced into festive pinwheel appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border, then scatter the dried cranberries and green onions on top.
- Roll the pastry into a tight log and slice into half-inch pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden and flaky. Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: 110 calories
