Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition! These Cranberry Pinwheels are a sublime blend of golden-brown, irresistibly flaky puff pastry, a vibrant and sweet cranberry cream cheese filling, all elegantly finished with a delicate vanilla icing drizzle. They are the epitome of festive cheer, perfect as a show-stopping appetizer or a delightful dessert.

Flaky & Festive Cranberry Pinwheels: Your Ultimate Holiday Sweet Treat

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and it often revolves around delicious food that brings people together. This year, allow us to introduce you to a recipe that will not only impress your guests but also simplify your holiday preparations: our delightful Cranberry Pinwheels. After much delightful experimentation, we’ve perfected these sweet and tangy handheld treats, designed to be both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible.

Forget the stress of elaborate baking; these cranberry delights are ready from start to finish in just about 30 minutes, featuring readily available ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re tasked with bringing an appetizer to a festive potluck, looking for a simple yet elegant dessert for your holiday dinner, or simply craving a sweet snack, these pinwheels are an absolute winner. Their individual size makes them perfect for serving at parties, ensuring every guest can easily grab a piece of this flaky, fruit-filled joy.

A small pile of golden-brown, flaky Cranberry Pinwheels, drizzled with vanilla icing.

Why You’ll Adore These Cranberry Pinwheels

These Cranberry Pinwheels are more than just a recipe; they’re a holiday lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser rolled into one. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your festive recipe collection:

Effortless Elegance: Despite their sophisticated appearance, these pinwheels are incredibly simple to prepare, making you look like a seasoned baker without the fuss.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of whole cranberry sauce beautifully complements the creamy sweetness of the brown sugar-infused cream cheese, all encased in buttery puff pastry.
Versatile for Any Occasion: While ideal for holiday gatherings and parties, they’re also fantastic for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a cozy weekend treat.
Quick & Convenient: With minimal prep and bake time, you can whip up a batch in under an hour, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities.
Crowd-Pleasing Handhelds: Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and eat, eliminating the need for plates and forks at busy events.
Customizable Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, from savory variations to alternative fruit fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Pinwheels

What should I do if my puff pastry log becomes too soft and hard to cut?

Puff pastry can indeed get a bit tricky to slice cleanly if it warms up too much at room temperature. The key to perfect pinwheels is a slightly firm pastry. If you find your rolled-up log becoming too soft or difficult to cut, simply place it in the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This brief chill period will help stiffen the pastry, making it much easier to achieve clean, even slices. Always use a sharp, serrated knife for the best results, employing a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down firmly.

Can I make homemade whole cranberry sauce instead of using store-bought?

Absolutely! Making your own whole cranberry sauce is surprisingly simple and adds an extra layer of freshness to these pinwheels. To do so, combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen whole cranberries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to bubble and the cranberries start to burst. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using in the recipe. The cooling process is crucial, as warm sauce can make the puff pastry soggy.

Where can I find puff pastry in the grocery store, and what are some tips for working with it?

Puff pastry is typically found in the freezer section of most grocery stores, often located near pie crusts or frozen desserts. It usually comes in a box containing one or two sheets. Before you begin preparing your pinwheels, it’s essential to thaw the puff pastry properly. You can either transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator a day in advance or leave it on your kitchen counter at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Always refer to the specific thawing instructions on your brand’s packaging, as timings can vary. Avoid over-thawing, as it can make the pastry sticky and difficult to handle, but also ensure it’s pliable enough to roll without cracking.

Is it possible to double this Cranberry Pinwheels recipe?

Yes, this recipe is incredibly easy to double, and we highly recommend doing so, especially if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want to prepare a batch for freezing. Most packages of puff pastry come with two sheets, making it convenient to double the ingredients and use both sheets. This way, you can maximize your baking efforts and ensure you have plenty of these delicious treats to go around, or simply have extra for later enjoyment.

How can I transform these sweet pinwheels into a savory version?

Turning these delightful pinwheels into a savory treat is absolutely possible with a few adjustments! To make savory pinwheels, omit the brown sugar and cinnamon from the cream cheese mixture, and skip the sweet frosting drizzle. Instead, consider mixing in some finely chopped herbs like chives or thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper into the cream cheese. For the filling, you could use a savory spread like pesto, a thin layer of olive tapenade, or even finely diced cooked bacon or ham. To add a textural and flavorful twist, incorporate ingredients like crushed pistachios or toasted pecans to the cream cheese mixture, or sprinkle a light dusting of Parmesan cheese before baking. The possibilities for savory variations are endless!

Can I use a different type of jam or fruit spread instead of cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! These pinwheels are wonderfully adaptable, and using a different jam or fruit spread can create an entirely new flavor profile. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even fig jam would all be delicious alternatives. When substituting, keep in mind that most jams already contain significant amounts of sugar. Therefore, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar added to the cream cheese mixture to avoid an overly sweet result. Experiment with your favorite fruit preserves to discover new and exciting pinwheel variations!

What is the best way to store any leftover Cranberry Pinwheels?

For the freshest taste and best texture, these Cranberry Pinwheels are truly at their peak when enjoyed on the same day they are baked. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they might lose a little of their crispness, they will still be delicious. You can gently warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes to help revive some of their flakiness before serving again.

A few freshly baked Cranberry Pinwheels arranged artfully on a serving dish.

Cranberry Pinwheels: Essential Ingredients Spotlight

Creating these delectable Cranberry Pinwheels requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:

Puff Pastry Sheet: The foundation of our pinwheels! Ensure your puff pastry is completely defrosted but still cold before using. This allows for easy rolling and handling while preventing it from becoming too sticky. You’ll typically find it in the frozen section of your local grocery store.
Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, cream cheese provides a wonderfully smooth and tangy base for our sweet filling. If you’re short on time, check out these helpful tips for Softening Cream Cheese Quickly to ensure it blends seamlessly.
Light Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries. It also contributes to the beautiful golden color of the filling.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon infuses the pinwheels with warm, inviting spice, enhancing the holiday flavor profile without overpowering the fruit.
Whole Cranberry Sauce: Crucial for that authentic cranberry burst! Be sure to use whole cranberry sauce from a can, not the jelly variety, as the whole berries provide texture and a more natural fruit flavor. If you’re unsure what to look for, here’s a link to whole cranberry sauce as an example (not a paid affiliate link). You can also make your own, as detailed in our FAQ section above.
White Cookie Frosting (Optional): While optional, a light drizzle of store-bought vanilla cookie frosting adds a lovely finish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the sweetness. It gives them that extra special touch, especially for festive occasions.

A collection of ingredients for Cranberry Pinwheels: puff pastry, whole cranberry sauce, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cream cheese.

How to Bake Perfect Cranberry Pinwheels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible Cranberry Pinwheels that will impress everyone!

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents the pinwheels from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Set the prepared baking sheet aside for later.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using a spoon or an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and free of any lumps. The softened cream cheese will ensure a silky-smooth consistency, which is vital for an even spread.

Two images side-by-side: a bowl with cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon before mixing, and another bowl showing the smoothly blended cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Carefully unroll your defrosted sheet of puff pastry onto your prepared baking sheet or a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the smooth cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Make sure to leave a ½-inch border clear on one of the long sides. This border will help seal the pastry when you roll it up, preventing the filling from oozing out.

Two images: a sheet of puff pastry rolled out, and the puff pastry with the cream cheese and brown sugar mixture spread evenly on it, leaving a border.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Layer

Next, spoon the whole cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Using the back of the spoon or a small spatula, gently and evenly distribute the cranberry sauce across the puff pastry. Again, ensure you leave the same ½-inch border clear on the long side where you left the cream cheese border. This double border is key for a neat roll.

Step 5: Roll and Chill the Pastry Log

Starting from the long edge opposite the clear border, carefully and tightly roll the puff pastry sheet towards the ½-inch empty strip. Aim for a snug roll to ensure beautiful, defined pinwheel spirals. Once rolled, if the pastry feels too soft, place the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm it up. This will make slicing much easier and cleaner.

Two images: cranberry sauce being spread over the cream cheese layer on puff pastry, and the puff pastry neatly rolled into a log with the filling inside.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut the rolled pastry log into 12 even pieces, aiming for slices approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Place each individual pinwheel, cut-side up, onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the baking sheet to the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 24 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown, puffed, and flaky. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.

Two images: unbaked Cranberry Pinwheels arranged on a baking sheet, and a tray of freshly baked, golden-brown Cranberry Pinwheels.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar and generously drizzle with store-bought white (vanilla) cookie frosting once cooled. This optional step adds a lovely finish and enhances the dessert-like quality.

Enjoy these warm or at room temperature. They are simply divine!

A close-up, top-down view of several elegant Cranberry Pinwheels, showing their flaky texture and sweet filling.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed these Cranberry Pinwheels and are looking for more exciting appetizer or snack ideas, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic recipes:

Cranberry Brie Bites
Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Cranberry Fluff
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Ham Salad Pinwheels
Taco Pinwheels
Fiesta Pinwheels
Cinna Minis

Cranberry Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels filled with a sweet cranberry cream cheese mixture, topped with a delicate frosting drizzle. Perfect for any gathering!

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
24 minutes

Total Time:
34 minutes

Servings:
12

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
14 ounce can whole cranberry sauce (not the jelly)
store-bought white (vanilla) cookie frosting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon until smooth.
Roll out 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over it, leaving a ½ inch border on one long side.
Spoon the 14 ounce can of whole cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly, maintaining the same ½ inch border on the long side.
Tightly roll the puff pastry up (long edge to long edge) until you reach the ½ inch border. If the pastry is too soft, freeze for 10-15 minutes.
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place each pinwheel, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake on the center rack for 24 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Allow to cool, then optionally sprinkle with brown sugar and drizzle with store-bought white (vanilla) cookie frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

For more detailed tips, substitutions, and answers to common questions, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ section above.

Course:
Appetizer, Snack, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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We hope these Flaky & Festive Cranberry Pinwheels become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. Their ease of preparation, delightful flavors, and beautiful presentation make them an ideal choice for any festive gathering. Happy baking and even happier feasting!