Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

These pinwheels are bright, salty, and a little sweet. They look festive and taste great warm or at room temperature. Puff pastry gives them a light, flaky bite while the cream cheese and feta mix makes a creamy, tangy center. The dried cranberries add a pleasant pop of sweetness and the fresh herbs give a clean, holiday aroma. They come together fast and can be made ahead, so they are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a simple appetizer when friends drop by.

introduction

This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients and easy steps. You can make the filling ahead and roll the pastries when guests arrive. If you like the mix of sweet and salty, these pinwheels will be a hit. For more cranberry dessert ideas that pair well with holiday appetizers, see this apple cranberry crumble pie recipe for a sweet ending to your meal: apple cranberry crumble pie recipe.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it is quick, forgiving, and tasty. The steps are simple and do not need special skills. Puff pastry makes the work easy — you do not need to make dough from scratch. The filling holds up well and does not make the pastry soggy if you chill the log before slicing. You can scale the recipe up or down to feed a few people or a large crowd. It also stores and reheats nicely, so you can keep some ready for later.

What You Need for Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

You will need basic kitchen items and simple tools:

A medium mixing bowl and wooden spoon or spatula.
A sharp knife for slicing the logs.
A rolling pin to gently roll the puff pastry.
Plastic wrap to chill the logs.
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
A small bowl for the egg wash and a pastry brush.
Measuring cups and spoons.

If you want to make things even faster, use pre-chopped dried cranberries and pre-minced herbs. If you like, warm the cream cheese a little at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

Follow these steps in order and keep things cold when you work with puff pastry.

Prepare the Creamy Cranberry Feta Filling

Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature so it mixes easily.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and smooth.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta.
Mince fresh rosemary and thyme very fine so they spread evenly.
Chop the dried cranberries into small pieces.
Add the cranberries, herbs, light brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder if using, and a pinch of salt to the cheese mix.
Stir gently until everything is blended. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assemble First Puff Pastry Log

Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or on parchment.
Roll it gently into about a 10 x 12-inch rectangle, keeping a thin layer about 1/8–1/4 inch thick.
Spread half of the filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed along the border to seal.

Chill and Slice First Log

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes or the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes until firm.
Remove the plastic wrap and slice the log into 1/2-inch rounds with a sharp knife.

Assemble and Slice Second Puff Pastry Log

Repeat the same steps with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining filling.
Chill and slice as before.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Arrange the pinwheels on the sheets with about 1 inch between them so they can puff.

Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon water or milk in a small bowl.
Lightly brush the tops and exposed edges of each pinwheel with the egg wash.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until pastry is golden, puffed, and flaky. Rotate the trays halfway if needed.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Garnish with small rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries if you like.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep pastry flaky.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

You can prepare the filled log up to slicing a day ahead. Wrap and refrigerate.
To freeze unbaked pinwheels, arrange slices on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Recipe Variations

Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest for a bright citrus note.

Ingredients:

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (approx. 500g)
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened
4 oz (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
1 tbsp light brown sugar
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt, to taste
1 large egg
1 tbsp water or milk
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Whole fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Best Ways to Serve Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

Serve these pinwheels warm right after baking or at room temperature on a platter for guests. They pair well with simple dips like a light herb yogurt or honey-mustard. For a full spread, offer them with a cheese board, crackers, and sliced fruits. These pinwheels also fit nicely next to baked breads and salads. If you plan a brunch or casual holiday meal, they make a great finger food. For a warm bread option that pairs well with savory bites, consider serving a loaf like this crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread: crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread.

How to Store Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

Let the pinwheels cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in a single layer if possible, or separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. If you froze unbaked slices, they will keep for about 1 month. To keep crispness, reheat in a low oven rather than the microwave.

Easy Tips to Make Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

Keep the pastry cold until you are ready to roll so it puffs well in the oven.
Slice with a very sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to get neat rounds.
Don’t overfill the pastry; leave the edge clear so the log seals well.
Chill the log before slicing — this gives cleaner slices and keeps filling in place.
Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling, but not melted.
Brush lightly with egg wash to get a nice golden top without making a heavy glaze.

Try These Variations of Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

Nutty: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño.
Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest for a bright lift.
Herb swap: Swap rosemary and thyme for basil and chives for a different profile.
Cheesy: Replace feta with goat cheese for a creamier, tangier filling.

Common Questions About Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

How long will the pinwheels stay flaky after baking?

They stay fairly flaky for a day when stored at room temperature and up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat briefly in a low oven to refresh the texture.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or a dairy substitute?

Yes, but texture and flavor may change. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture and richer taste.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes. You can make the logs a day ahead, slice them when ready, and bake on the day of the event. You can also freeze unbaked slices and bake from frozen.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries will be very tart and add moisture. If you use fresh, consider cooking them briefly with sugar or chopping them small and reducing the amount used.

Final Thoughts

These pinwheels are simple, festive, and easy to make. They give you a great balance of flavors: creamy, salty, sweet, and herb-scented. The recipe is flexible and forgiving, so you can tweak small parts to your taste or make them ahead for a busy party day. Small steps like chilling the log and using a sharp knife make a big difference in the final look. They are a solid choice if you want an appetizer that looks special but does not take all day to prepare.

Conclusion

If you want a quick, festive appetizer idea with cranberry and feta, see this full recipe for a similar take on cranberry and feta Christmas pinwheels here: Quick and Festive Cranberry and Feta Christmas Pinwheels recipe.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Try the recipe at your next holiday gathering or small party. The steps are simple, the ingredients are easy to find, and the results look and taste like you spent more time than you did. Enjoy!

Easy Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: nobakedessertsrecipes_admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These pinwheels are bright, salty, and a little sweet, perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (approx. 500g)
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened
4 oz (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
1 tbsp light brown sugar
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt, to taste
1 large egg
1 tbsp water or milk
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Whole fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and smooth. Fold in the crumbled feta, minced herbs, chopped dried cranberries, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until blended and adjust seasoning.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one sheet of puff pastry into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread half of the filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly from the opposite long edge and pinch the seam closed.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for 15-20 minutes in the freezer or 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator until firm. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds.
Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining filling.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Arrange slices on sheets with spacing.
Whisk the egg with water/milk and brush over pinwheels. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden, rotating trays halfway through if needed.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep the pastry cold for the best puffing; store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg