Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive treat full of bright cranberry flavor, soft cream cheese, and a hint of sweetness wrapped in tender, flaky dough. These delightful pinwheels are not only colorful but also perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter snack. They bring a lovely pop of red and white to any table, making them an instant favorite during the Christmas season.
I love making these cranberry pinwheels because they are so simple to prepare and yet feel special enough for holiday guests. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy cheese balances perfectly with the buttery dough. One tip I’ve learned is to chill the dough well before slicing — it helps keep those neat swirly shapes in each pinwheel. Plus, it’s fun to see how pretty they turn out when baked.
These pinwheels are great served warm right from the oven or at room temperature with a cup of hot tea or coffee. I often make a batch ahead of time for my holiday parties, and they disappear fast every single time. They’re such a cheerful, comforting snack that brings a little extra joy wherever they go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a smooth, creamy base for the filling. If dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese or a soft nut-based spread.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring tart sweetness and chewiness. Fresh cranberries can work too but chop them finely and add some sugar to balance tartness.
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the star for flaky layers. Thawed frozen sheets are easy to find. For a whole-grain option, try making your own or using phyllo dough, though texture will change.
Chives: Fresh chives add a gentle onion flavor and green color. You can swap with green onions or omit for a sweeter pinwheel.
How Do You Make Perfect Pinwheel Slices Without Squishing the Dough?
Getting neat and even pinwheels can be tricky because the dough can get squished or the filling may spill.
- Chill the rolled-up log before slicing — this firms up the dough and filling, making clean cuts easier.
- Use a very sharp knife and slice gently with a smooth motion, avoiding pressing down too hard.
- Cut evenly sized slices, about ½ inch thick, so they bake evenly and hold their shape.
I find that wrapping the log in plastic and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the most. It prevents the filling from oozing and keeps the classic spiral look intact.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the cream cheese mixture and preparing ingredients.
- Rolling pin – helps to roll out the puff pastry smoothly and evenly.
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter – for slicing the pinwheels cleanly.
- Plastic wrap – to wrap the rolled dough and chill it before slicing.
- Pastry brush (optional) – for brushing the tops with butter to promote browning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries for chopped dried cherries or apricots for different fruity flavors.
- Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or Swiss with the cream cheese for a savory twist.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Include fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of chives for a different aroma.
Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, roughly chopped)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (optional, for brushing)
- Additional cranberries for garnish (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill the rolled pastry before slicing. Baking time is around 15 to 18 minutes. So overall, set aside about 1 hour to make these festive pinwheels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Mix the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry and Add Toppings
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into about a 12×12 inch square. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, leaving a small half-inch border all around. Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the cream cheese, then scatter the finely chopped fresh chives on top for a touch of green and flavor.
3. Roll, Chill, Slice, and Bake
Carefully roll the pastry up from one edge into a tight log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. Once chilled, slice the log into 12–15 pinwheels, about half an inch thick. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between each. Optionally, brush the tops with softened butter for a nice golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with extra cranberries as garnish if you like!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for These Pinwheels?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out. This helps ensure easy handling and flaky layers when baked.
Can I Substitute Fresh Cranberries for Dried Ones?
Absolutely! If using fresh cranberries, chop them finely and consider adding a bit more sugar to balance their tartness since fresh cranberries are more sour than dried.
How Long Can I Store These Pinwheels?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven to keep the pastry flaky.
Is It Okay to Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble and roll the pinwheel log, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes holiday prep easier and saves time on the day of your event.
