Flaky Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are little bites of happiness that bring together flaky, buttery pastry, tangy cream cheese, and a burst of tart cranberry flavor. They look as good as they taste, with a pretty swirl pattern that’s perfect for any festive occasion or casual snack time.
I love making these pinwheels when I want something that’s quick to throw together but still feels special. The cream cheese filling is smooth and just a little sweet, which balances out the cranberries nicely. Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of orange zest to brighten things up, but they’re delicious just as they are, too.
These pinwheels are perfect when served warm, fresh out of the oven, with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They’re fantastic for holiday parties, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon treat. I usually make a batch ahead of time and then bake them off when guests arrive—they always bring a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base for those flaky layers. Store-bought frozen sheets work great for ease and consistency. If you want, you can make your own, but the store-bought kind saves a lot of time.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamy, rich filling. If you prefer dairy-free, try a cashew-based cream cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Dried Cranberries: They add a tart, chewy bite that balances the cream cheese. If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries or raisins can be yummy alternatives.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely herb note here. If rosemary isn’t your favorite, thyme or sage work well too. You can leave the herbs out but the pinwheels lose a bit of their fresh complexity without them.
Orange Zest (Optional): This brightens the flavor and pairs wonderfully with cranberry. If you can’t find fresh oranges, a sprinkle of dried orange peel or a drop of orange extract is fine.
How Can I Make Sure My Pinwheels Stay Perfectly Shaped When Baking?
Keeping these pretty spirals intact is all about chilling and handling the dough gently.
- After assembling the roll, wrap it tightly and chill it for 15-20 minutes. This firms up the filling and pastry for clean slices.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log into pinwheels to keep the edges neat.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each pinwheel space so they can puff up without sticking together.
- Brush egg wash gently on top for a nice golden color without weighing down the pastry.
- Avoid overbaking—watch for that golden, puffy look and remove promptly to keep the layers flaky.
Following these tips helped me get consistent, beautiful pinwheels every time. They look as good as they taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – essential for even baking and easy cleanup when lined with parchment paper.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps the pinwheels bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to blend cream cheese, sugar, and flavorings smoothly.
- Sharp knife – lets you slice the rolled pastry cleanly into neat pinwheels.
- Rolling pin (optional) – helps roll out the puff pastry evenly if needed.
- Plastic wrap – to chill the rolled log so it firms up for easier slicing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap rosemary for fresh thyme or sage for a different herb twist that still pairs well with cranberries.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast inside the pinwheels.
- Mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup with cream cheese for extra sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Replace dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries for a new fruity flavor profile.
How to Make Flaky Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz)
For The Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or thyme as a substitute)
- Optional: zest of 1 small orange for extra flavor
For The Finishing Touch:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15-20 minutes to chill the rolled pastry, and 15-18 minutes to bake. All together, plan for about 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you like, stir in the orange zest and chopped rosemary now for added flavor.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle roughly 12×10 inches wide, just enough to smooth it out and prepare for filling.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the puff pastry, being sure to leave a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Roll and Chill:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log shape. Wrap this log in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes—this step firms it up so you can slice neat pinwheels.
6. Slice and Bake:
Remove the chilled log from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut it into about 12 equal pieces, around ¾ inch thick. Place these pinwheels on your baking sheet about an inch apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a nice golden color. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until they puff up lovely and turn golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pinwheels cool a bit before serving warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect snack, brunch item, or holiday appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Straight from the Freezer?
It’s best to thaw the puff pastry completely in the fridge overnight or for a few hours at room temperature before using. This helps it roll out smoothly without cracking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the flakiness.
Can I Substitute Fresh Herbs if I Don’t Have Rosemary?
Yes! Thyme or sage are great alternatives that pair well with the cream cheese and cranberry flavors.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegan?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the egg wash with a little plant-based milk or olive oil brushed on top for a golden finish.
