Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a festive treat that combines flaky puff pastry, tangy feta cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries all rolled up into perfect little bites. These pinwheels bring a fun swirl of colors and flavors to any holiday table, making them a favorite for Christmas parties and cozy family gatherings.
I love making these because they’re so simple to prepare but always impress everyone. The sharpness of the feta pairs beautifully with the cranberry’s natural sweetness, and the puff pastry adds that satisfying crunch that makes you want to reach for another one right away. I like to make the dough ahead of time and pop these into the oven just before guests arrive, so they’re fresh and warm.
My favorite way to serve these pinwheels is on a big festive platter alongside some green herbs and nuts—it really makes the colors pop and invites everyone to snack happily. They’re also great as a little appetizer or part of a holiday brunch spread. These pinwheels are a quick way to bring some holiday cheer into the kitchen and onto the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of the pinwheels, giving them a light and flaky texture. Frozen puff pastry is easy to find and works perfectly. If you don’t have puff pastry, phyllo dough could be a crunchy alternative, though it requires more layers and care.
Feta Cheese: The salty tang of feta balances nicely with sweet cranberries. If you prefer less tang, try cream cheese alone or a mild goat cheese. For dairy-free options, a firm tofu mixed with a little lemon juice can mimic feta’s tang.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet and tart punch. You can swap with dried cherries or raisins if cranberries aren’t available. Chopping them helps scatter the flavor evenly in every bite.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill add freshness. If dill isn’t your favorite or unavailable, try chives or basil for a different herbal note. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
How Do I Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling and slicing puff pastry can be tricky! Here’s how to get neat pinwheels:
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cool; warm dough can be sticky and hard to roll.
- Work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking without adding too much flour, which can dry out the dough.
- Evenly spread the filling but avoid spreading too close to edges to prevent filling spilling out during rolling.
- Roll gently but firmly into a tight log, using your fingers to tuck the edge underneath as you go.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into pinwheels to avoid squashing the layers.
- Place the pinwheels upright with spacing on the baking sheet so they bake evenly and puff nicely.
These steps keep your pinwheels intact, with clean, pretty spirals that bake up golden and crisp. I find chilling the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing can also help if your dough feels soft!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking the pinwheels evenly and catching any drips.
- Parchment paper – stops the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – essential for cleanly slicing the rolled puff pastry without squashing it.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the cheeses, cranberries, and herbs smoothly.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier, milder taste that still pairs well with cranberries.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dill for an earthier, woodsy note perfect for winter.
- Toss in some cooked chopped bacon for a smoky, salty twist that balances the sweetness.
Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll spend under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy holiday snack to prepare fresh.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pinwheels from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, parsley, dill (if using), honey or maple syrup (if you like a touch of sweetness), and fresh black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into roughly a 12×12-inch square. Make sure it’s evenly rolled.
4. Spread and Roll:
Spread your cheese and cranberry filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Starting from one edge, roll it up carefully into a tight log to keep all the filling inside.
5. Slice and Arrange:
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled pastry into pinwheels about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place these spirals on the baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each so they bake nicely.
6. Brush and Bake:
Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden and shiny finish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
7. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you want a pretty touch before serving them warm and fresh.
Enjoy these festive cranberry feta pinwheels as a tasty holiday treat everyone will love!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain more moisture, so they might make the pinwheels soggy. If you want to use fresh, chop them finely and toss them with a little sugar to balance the tartness, then pat them dry before adding.
Can I Prepare the Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Just brush with egg wash and bake fresh right before serving for the best puff and crispness.
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crisp.
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or cream cheese work well as milder alternatives and still pair nicely with the cranberries. Use crumbled goat cheese for a slightly tangy flavor or just cream cheese for a softer texture.