Name: Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 to 3/4 cup cranberry sauce*; 8 oz goat cheese log, room temperature or softened; 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 1 large egg, beaten; 2.5 tablespoons honey; 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves removed from stems; Flaky salt, optional; 12 oz cranberries; 3/4 cup water; Juice of 1 orange; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon orange zest; Pinch of salt

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There is nothing quite as delightful as sharing bites of a festive, flavorful appetizer with friends and family, and this Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Flaky puff pastry embraces a creamy goat cheese filling blended with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all finished with a hint of honey and fresh thyme for a touch of herbal brightness. These little pinwheels are charming, easy to make, and bursting with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to brighten up your appetizer game, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a thick, creamy pink mixture that has a slightly lumpy texture. The mixture is unevenly spread inside the bowl with visible small red specks and darker bits throughout, giving it a speckled look. The inside walls of the bowl are lightly coated with the same pink mixture, showing where it has been stirred or scooped. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient shines in flavor and texture. From the delicate puff pastry layers that create a golden, flaky crust to the creamy tang of goat cheese, every component adds something special to the final dish.

1/2-3/4 cup cranberry sauce: Provides that sweet and tart pop that complements the richness of the cheese perfectly.
8 oz goat cheese log, room temp or softened: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy base essential for the filling’s luscious texture.
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery foundation that puffs beautifully when baked to golden perfection.
1 large egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash, it creates a shiny, beautiful golden crust on the pinwheels.
2.5 tbs honey: Brushed on after baking to add a delicate sweetness and glossy finish.
1/2 tbs fresh thyme, removed from stems: Brings a subtle earthy freshness that balances the sweet and tangy flavors.
Flaky salt (optional): Sprinkled at the end to add a satisfying crunch and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pastry and Filling

Start by thawing the puff pastry according to package instructions; it should be cold but pliable, not brittle. While the pastry relaxes, mix together the goat cheese and about a half cup of your cranberry sauce in a bowl. This creamy and fruity filling is the heart of our pinwheels, giving them that signature tangy-sweet bite.

Step 2: Roll and Fill the Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and gently smooth out the folded creases with a rolling pin. Spread half of your cranberry goat cheese mixture evenly, leaving about a quarter inch border around the edges to ensure the filling stays put. Then, roll the pastry carefully into a log starting from the bottom.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Chill

Brush the rolled pastry log with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish after baking. Pop the log into the freezer for at least 10 minutes, or even longer if you prefer, to firm it up. Chilling makes cutting neat, even pinwheels much easier.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Slice the chilled roll gently into half-inch thick pieces and place them a couple of inches apart on baking sheets. Depending on your oven size, use two sheets or bake in batches to give each pinwheel room to puff up gloriously. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes until the pinwheels are beautifully puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Drizzle, Garnish, and Serve

Warm your honey just slightly to make it pourable, then drizzle it over the hot pinwheels straight from the oven. Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top and finish with a pinch of flaky salt if desired. These finishing touches not only enhance the flavor but also make the pinwheels visually irresistible.

How to Serve Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows a dark brown baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. There are nine baked spiral pastries arranged somewhat randomly on the tray. Each pastry has layered swirls of golden-brown flaky dough with a reddish-pink filling visible between the layers, some with darker spots indicating baking caramelization. The pastries vary slightly in size and shape, and the edges are crispy and puffed while the centers are compact with visible layers. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the texture and color contrast of the pastries and the rustic tray photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on the pinwheels bring an aromatic brightness that cuts through the richness. A little flaky salt on top adds a burst of savory balance and a satisfying crunch, elevating the overall tasting experience.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels make a fantastic companion to light green salads with vinaigrette or roasted vegetable platters. Pair them with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a crisp white for an elegant appetizer spread that keeps the party vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for rustic charm. Add clusters of fresh thyme sprigs and small bowls of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. For holiday festivities, consider presenting them alongside small ramekins of honey and nuts to delight your guests with options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their flaky texture, it’s best to reheat them gently, rather than letting them sit out at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolled, sliced pinwheels before baking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it incredibly convenient to have this delightful appetizer ready for future gatherings.

Reheating

Reheat the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to restore their flaky layers and warm filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and lose its delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too watery to keep the filling from becoming too loose.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, cream cheese makes a milder but still creamy alternative. You might want to add a little lemon zest or herbs to pump up the flavor.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes! Doubling the recipe is easy and perfect for larger gatherings. Just be sure to use enough baking sheets or bake in batches to allow proper puffing and browning.

How far ahead can I make these pinwheels?

You can assemble and freeze the sliced pinwheels up to a month in advance. Bake them fresh when needed for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

You could, but they would need to be cooked down with sugar and liquid first to create that jammy consistency. Using prepared cranberry sauce makes the process quick and straightforward.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. The mingling of flaky pastry, tangy goat cheese, and vibrant cranberry creates a harmonious party favorite that’s perfect year-round. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these pinwheels a try and watch how quickly they disappear at any gathering. Your guests will thank you, and your appetizer game will never be the same again!