Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a fun, colorful snack that’s perfect for sharing. They combine the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the salty creaminess of feta cheese, all wrapped up in soft, flaky dough. The addition of smooth cream cheese ties everything together, making each bite creamy and full of flavor.
I love making these pinwheels for holiday parties or casual get-togethers because they’re easy to eat and always disappear quickly. One little tip I’ve found helpful is to chill the rolled-up dough before slicing so the pinwheels hold their shape better and bake up perfectly crisp on the outside, soft inside. It’s such a simple trick but really makes a difference!
Serving these warm right out of the oven with a cup of tea or a glass of wine makes for a cozy moment any time of year. I often find myself nibbling just one more — they’re just that good! Plus, they look pretty as a platter centerpiece, adding a splash of red and white that always brings smiles around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives the pinwheels a light and flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent roll dough is a good alternative though it’s a bit softer and less flaky.
Cream Cheese: It creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling. If you prefer, you can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version or mascarpone for extra richness.
Feta Cheese: Adds a salty tang that pairs well with the cranberries. If goat cheese is more your style, it works well too and gives a creamy, slightly sharper flavor.
Dried Cranberries: They bring sweetness and chew to balance the salty cheese. You can swap in dried cherries or raisins if cranberries are not available.
Fresh Chives: I love the mild onion flavor they add. If you don’t have chives, green onions or finely chopped parsley can give a fresh herbal note.
How Can You Roll and Slice the Pinwheels Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling and slicing without losing shape is key to neat pinwheels. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread the filling evenly but not too thick, leaving a small border to avoid spilling when rolling.
- Roll the dough tightly but gently to keep it smooth without air pockets.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 15-30 minutes. Cold dough slices cleaner and keeps its shape during baking.
- Use a sharp knife and slice gently in one smooth motion to avoid squishing the pinwheels.
- Space the slices apart on the baking sheet so they can puff up without sticking together.
Following these steps will help your pinwheels look as good as they taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like using a rimmed sheet to hold everything in place while baking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the cheese filling and preparing ingredients.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out the dough evenly and smoothly.
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter – ensures clean, even slices without squishing the pinwheels.
- Plastic wrap – to tightly wrap the rolled dough and chill it for easier slicing.
- Brush for egg wash – optional but gives the pinwheels a lovely golden color.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Fruits: Use dried cherries, apricots, or raisins instead of cranberries for variety.
- Herbs: Add chopped basil, parsley, or dill for a fresh herbal twist.
- Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the cheese for a warming flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or refrigerated crescent roll dough), thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Add 15-30 minutes to chill the rolled dough before slicing, for best results. Overall, plan for around 40-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped chives, and lemon zest if using. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold or roll out your puff pastry or crescent dough into a roughly rectangular shape. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out.
4. Add Cranberries and Roll Up:
Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the cheese layer. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edges by pinching them gently if needed.
5. Chill and Slice:
Wrap the rolled dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This makes it easier to cut neat slices without losing shape. After chilling, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
6. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet with the cut side down. If you like, beat the egg and brush the tops of the pinwheels to give them a lovely golden color. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with extra chopped chives for a fresh look and flavor. They’re delicious served warm, but also tasty at room temperature.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before starting. Using fully thawed dough makes rolling and slicing much easier.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or ricotta can work nicely. They provide a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor, but still complement the cranberries well.
Can I Make the Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the pinwheel log, then wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes for an easy appetizer prep when you have guests.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back their warm, flaky texture.