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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are festive, flaky pastries filled with a creamy sweet and tart cranberry mixture perfect for holiday gatherings. These easy-to-make bite-sized pinwheels combine buttery puff pastry, cream cheese, fresh cranberries, and a hint of orange zest, delivering a burst of holiday cheer with every bite. Make ahead friendly and visually stunning, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy snacks alongside your favorite festive drinks.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cranberry Filling

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Gently cook fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of water until they burst and thicken into a slightly sticky, jam-like consistency. Stir in fresh orange zest and allow the mixture to cool completely.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, creating a rich, creamy layer that balances the tart cranberries.
  3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a neat rectangle, creating a perfect canvas for the fillings.
  4. Layer the Fillings: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, dollop and gently spread the cooled cranberry mixture on top, ensuring an even flavor throughout.
  5. Roll and Chill: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape during slicing.
  6. Slice and Brush: Remove the chilled roll from the refrigerator and slice into approximately 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with festive aromas.

Notes

  • Use cold puff pastry to ensure maximum flakiness during baking.
  • Don’t overfill the pinwheels to prevent leaks or uneven cooking.
  • Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain shape and makes slicing easier.
  • Apply a double coat of egg wash before baking for an extra glossy and attractive crust.
  • Serve warm for the best taste and texture; pinwheels are delicious fresh from the oven or slightly reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry pinwheels, holiday snacks, puff pastry appetizers, festive finger food, sweet and tart snacks

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/delicious-christmas-cranberry-pinwheels/