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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a perfect balance of tart dried cranberries, creamy cheese, a touch of sweetness, and bright orange zest, all wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. These vibrant pinwheels are ideal for holiday parties, brunches, or snacks and offer beautiful presentation with a golden finish and colorful cranberry swirls.

Ingredients

Base

  • Puff pastry sheets: 2 sheets (thawed if frozen)

Filling

  • Dried cranberries: 1 cup
  • Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz (about 225 g)
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 to 2 tablespoons
  • Orange zest: 1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): 1/4 cup

Finishing

  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with dried cranberries, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, and chopped nuts if using. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and spreadable.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets into rectangular shapes about 1/8 inch thick, creating a smooth surface for even spreading.
  3. Spread the Filling: Using a spatula, evenly spread the cranberry and cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of each puff pastry sheet, covering all edges for maximum flavor.
  4. Roll and Chill: Starting from the longer side, carefully roll each pastry sheet into a tight log. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing and baking.
  5. Slice and Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and slice each into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels using a very sharp knife or dental floss string. Place the pinwheels onto parchment-lined baking sheets and brush the tops lightly with egg wash for a golden brown finish.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving, letting the filling set perfectly.

Notes

  • Keep the puff pastry cold until working with it to ensure it stays flaky and rises well during baking.
  • Spread the filling evenly over the pastry for consistent taste in every bite.
  • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squashing the dough.
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and evenly with the other filling ingredients.
  • For extra festive flair, sprinkle additional chopped nuts or drizzle honey over the baked pinwheels before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry pinwheels, holiday snack, puff pastry, festive treat, savory and sweet appetizer

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