Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

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These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs are the perfect festive appetizer to bring some color and cheer to your table. Flaky puff pastry rolled up with a luscious cream cheese filling, dotted with tart cranberries, salty feta, and fresh herbs create a bite-sized treat everyone will love.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a cozy brunch, or just want a fun snack to share, these pinwheels deliver an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The balance of creamy, tangy, and savory in a golden crispy pastry makes them a crowd-pleaser that’s just as pretty as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these pinwheels with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. The festive pops of red from the cranberries make them perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. The make-ahead friendly recipe means less stress in the kitchen, and the combination of flavors will have your guests reaching for more.

Can I Use Dried or Fresh Cranberries?

Both dried and fresh cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. Dried cranberries bring a chewy sweetness, while fresh cranberries offer a brighter, slightly tart punch. If using fresh, chop them roughly and sprinkle with a little sugar to balance the tartness before adding them to the filling.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

The ingredients in this recipe come together to create a perfect harmony of creamy, tart, and savory notes wrapped in a flaky pastry. You don’t need anything fancy — just a few quality ingredients to let the flavors shine.

• Puff Pastry — The buttery, flaky base of the pinwheels that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Cream Cheese — Adds a creamy, tangy layer that balances the tart cranberries.
• Cranberries — Use either fresh or dried for a burst of color and sweet-tart flavor.
• Feta Cheese — Brings a salty, tangy punch that contrasts nicely with the cranberries.
• Fresh Herbs — Parsley, thyme, or rosemary add freshness and aroma to each bite.
• Egg Wash — Helps seal the edges and gives the pinwheels their golden sheen.

How To Make the Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to smooth any creases and create an even rectangle.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with crumbled feta and chopped fresh herbs until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the cranberries over the filling. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log.

Step 4: Slice and Brush

Cut the log into ½-inch slices and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storing These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs

These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is creamy and fragrant. This recipe makes about 20–24 pinwheels, enough to serve 6–8 people as an appetizer. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry again.

What to Serve With Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs?

Herb & Garlic Dip

A cool yogurt-based dip with fresh herbs and garlic complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Sparkling Cranberry Punch

A festive drink that echoes the cranberry notes in the pinwheels.

Roasted Vegetable Platter

Warm, roasted vegetables add a hearty element to your appetizer spread.

Butternut Squash Soup

The creamy, slightly sweet soup pairs wonderfully with the tangy-salty pinwheels.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the pastry.

Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Round out your party table with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.

Pomegranate & Walnut Couscous

A colorful, nutty side that matches the pinwheels’ festive vibe.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you enjoyed these cranberry cream cheese pinwheels, here are some more creative appetizer ideas you’ll want to try:

• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a spicy and cheesy bite.
• Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa for a Southern-inspired starter.
• Creamy Corn Dip perfect for dipping and sharing.
• Sausage and Spinach Frittata if you’re hosting a brunch gathering.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh or dried cranberries? Did you try adding nuts or other herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated appetizer and snack recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for entertaining!

Conclusion

These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels with feta and herbs are a gorgeous, delicious addition to any holiday or special occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and guaranteed to impress your guests with their bright flavors and flaky texture.

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