Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive treat that perfectly blends flaky pastry with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling. These little pinwheels are colorful and cheerful, making them right at home on any holiday dessert table. The combination of cranberries and a hint of spice gives each bite a bright, fresh flavor that feels like Christmas wrapped up in pastry form.
I love making these pinwheels because they’re so easy to prepare and everyone loves the balance of tart cranberries with a touch of sweetness. They’re also great for sharing since they’re already in bite-sized pieces. I usually make a batch ahead of time and keep them ready to pop in the oven right before guests arrive—it’s like having a homemade holiday snack on demand!
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a cup of hot tea or cocoa while sitting by the Christmas tree. They bring a little extra warmth and joy to the season, plus the cranberry color reminds me of holiday cheer every time I take a bite. If you want to add a little extra festive flair, sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar on top just before serving makes them look and taste even more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Puff Pastry: Puff pastry gives these pinwheels a light, flaky texture. If you can’t find it, you could try crescent roll dough for a softer, less flaky bite.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. You can use a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a vegan or dairy-free option.
Dried Cranberries: They add the perfect tart-sweet pop. If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries or raisins work well too. Just chop them roughly.
Green Onions: Green onions brighten the flavor with a mild onion taste. For a stronger onion twist, use finely chopped chives or shallots.
Fresh Rosemary: This herb gives a festive, pine-like flavor. If rosemary isn’t your favorite, try thyme or omit it altogether.
How Do You Roll and Slice Puff Pastry Without It Tearing or Sticking?
Working with puff pastry can feel tricky, but keeping it cold and using light flouring helps.
- Thaw pastry in the fridge, not on the counter, to avoid it getting too soft.
- Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll gently and evenly to keep the dough intact and avoid tearing.
- When rolling into a log, roll tightly but don’t press too hard or the filling may spill.
- Use a sharp knife to slice slowly with a gentle sawing motion to keep pinwheels neat and even.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Rolling pin – makes it simple to roll out the puff pastry evenly.
- Sharp knife or bench scraper – helps you cut clean, even slices without pulling or tearing.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cream cheese and herbs evenly.
- Pastry brush – for brushing the egg wash onto the pinwheels to get that golden, shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use fresh or frozen chopped spinach instead of herbs for a veggie boost.
- Try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries for different fruity touches.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Including thawing time for the puff pastry, plan for around 30-40 minutes total from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 10 by 12 inches. This will give you enough area to spread the filling evenly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, chopped rosemary if using, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Spread the Filling and Add Cranberries:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving a small border along the edges. Then sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly on top for a festive, tangy touch.
5. Roll and Slice the Pinwheels:
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick pinwheels.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the pinwheels flat on your prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch of space between each. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a lovely golden color during baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving plate. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for extra festive charm, if you’d like. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
You can, but fresh cranberries are much more tart and moist. If using fresh, chop them finely and toss with a little sugar to balance the tartness, then pat them dry to avoid soggy pastry.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them refrigerated for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough is a good option. It won’t be quite as flaky but will still produce tasty pinwheels with a tender texture.