Delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

When do you need an irresistible appetizer that disappears in minutes?

If you’re anything like me, the thought of hosting a gathering or even just a casual get-together often brings the question to mind: “What can I serve that’s easy, impressive, and absolutely delicious?” Especially when it comes to appetizers, we’re always on the hunt for those crowd-pleasing recipes that require minimal fuss but deliver maximum flavor. Well, get ready to meet your new go-to: Delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels! These delightful swirls of savory and sweet are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to game nights, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, thanks to its beautiful presentation and incredibly satisfying taste. These pinwheels are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Many hosts struggle to find appetizers that are both visually appealing and packed with flavor, often resorting to store-bought options. However, with these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, you can achieve that gourmet feel right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes them so fantastic!

Ingredients for Your Festive Pinwheels

The beauty of these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels lies in their relatively simple ingredient list, allowing the star flavors to shine. We’ve broken them down into two main components for clarity:

For the Pinwheels:

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure. Make sure it’s all-purpose for the best texture.
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory cream cheese and tart cranberries, adding a hint of sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing out the best in the dough.
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy heart of the pinwheels. It should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted.
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky dough. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the saltiness.
• 1 large Egg Yolk: Binds the dough and adds a lovely richness and a slightly golden hue.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and fragrance that pairs beautifully with cream cheese and cranberry.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley or Chives, finely chopped: For a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the cream cheese. About 2 tablespoons.

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The vibrant, tart stars of the filling. If using frozen, no need to thaw fully.
• ¼ cup Orange Juice: The citrusy brightness is a classic pairing with cranberries, cutting through their tartness. Water can be used in a pinch, but orange juice is preferred.
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the cranberries and create a lovely, jam-like consistency. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• ½ teaspoon Orange Zest (optional): For an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor that elevates the filling beautifully.
• Pinch of Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, festive spice note that complements the cranberries and orange.

Recipe Timing: Effortless Elegance

Compared to many complex appetizers, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are wonderfully efficient. The total time, including chilling, is just over an hour, making it a feasible appetizer to prepare even on a busy day. The prep time is quite reasonable, and much of that is hands-off chilling and baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started on crafting these delightful pinwheels. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and well combined. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If you’re adding fresh herbs, gently fold them in now. The dough will be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time; if too dry, a teaspoon of water.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened into a jam-like consistency. You want it thick enough to spread without being runny. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Tasting it now is a must – adjust sweetness if needed!

Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half. Take one half and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 10×8 inches. Spread half of the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along one of the longer edges. Be generous but don’t overfill. Repeat with the second half of the dough and the remaining filling.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Carefully roll up each dough rectangle tightly, starting from the edge with the filling. You should have two logs. If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it for 15 minutes before continuing. Once rolled, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days). This chilling step is crucial as it firms up the dough and filling, making it much easier to slice cleanly. Once chilled, unwrap the logs and slice each into ½-inch thick rounds. You should get about 10-12 pinwheels per log.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cream cheese dough is cooked through. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly. Serve these delightful treats warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed the day they are made, but will keep for a day or two.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 150-180 per serving (varies based on exact ingredient amounts and serving size).
• Fat: Around 10-13g
• Carbohydrates: Around 12-15g
• Protein: Around 2-3g
• Sugar: Around 6-8g (from fruit and added sugar)

Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to make these pinwheels a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few swaps:

• Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese for the dough base. It will still offer plenty of creaminess.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Natural Sweeteners: Reduce the added sugar in the filling and rely more on the natural sweetness of cranberries and orange juice. You could also explore a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, but be mindful of the liquid content.
• Reduced Orange Juice: Use a sugar-free cranberry juice blend or even water for the cranberry filling, and add more orange zest for flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

• As an appetizer at holiday parties and family gatherings.
• Alongside a cheese board for a sweet and savory element.
• As a delightful snack with your afternoon tea or coffee.
• As a unique addition to a brunch spread.

They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, a sparkling cider, or a strong cup of coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your pinwheels turn out perfectly:

• Don’t skip the chilling step: This is crucial for clean slicing and preventing a mushy outcome.
• Over-mixing the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Filling too thin: Ensure the cranberry filling is thick; a runny filling will make the pinwheels soggy.
• Not preheating the oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.

Storing Tips

Let the pinwheels cool completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen! Wrap cooled pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Sweet and Savory Triumph!

There you have it – the recipe for truly addictive Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels! They are a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and tart, all wrapped up in a tender, slightly sweet dough. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, these pinwheels are a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create something extraordinary. Don’t hesitate to give them a try for your next occasion; they are guaranteed to be a hit!

Delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect appetizer for any gathering.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1sheet puff pastry
• 4 ozcream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cupcranberry sauce or1/3 cupchopped dried cranberries
• 1/4 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoonfresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped
• 1egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a rectangular sheet.
3. Spread cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along the edges.
4. Sprinkle cranberry sauce and feta cheese over the cream cheese, followed by chopped herbs.
5. Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log shape and slice into 1-inch pieces.
6. Place cut side up on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

For best results, use chilled puff pastry and allow cream cheese to soften for easy spreading.

Nutrition

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Protein: 3 g