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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
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Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are festive, colorful appetizers combining tart fresh cranberries, creamy cheese, and flaky puff pastry. Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats bring holiday cheer with their vibrant flavors and beautiful spiral design.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed (enough for pinwheels)

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange

Finishing

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Finely chop fresh cranberries and herbs, zest the orange, and soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier spreading.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, fresh herbs, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
  3. Assemble the Pinwheels: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around edges to prevent filling from spilling when rolled.
  4. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry sheet from one edge into a tight log. Chill the roll in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up and facilitate slicing. Slice the chilled roll into half-inch thick pinwheels with a sharp knife.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold but softened cream cheese to ensure easy mixing and prevent melting the pastry.
  • Chill the rolled pastry before slicing to maintain neat pinwheel shapes.
  • Do not overfill the pastry; a thin, even layer helps keep pinwheels flaky.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme significantly enhance the aroma and flavor.
  • Monitor baking time closely to avoid over-browning, which can make pinwheels tough.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry pinwheels, holiday snack, puff pastry appetizer, festive appetizer, easy holiday recipe, cranberry appetizers

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