These Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels are a tasty treat! With soft brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce wrapped in a tortilla, they are quick to make and look beautiful.
I love serving these at parties because they’re so easy to grab and enjoy. Plus, who can resist the cheesy goodness balanced with a fruity touch? They’re always a hit! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Thawed puff pastry gives that light, flaky texture. If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough, but the texture will be slightly different.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully. You could try camembert as a substitute if you want a similar taste. For a non-dairy option, look for vegan brie alternatives.
Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry for a chunkier texture or jellied for a smoother spread. In a pinch, you can swap it for other fruit spreads like raspberry or fig for a unique flavor.
Fresh Rosemary: This adds a lovely herbal note. If fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary works too, but use less since dried herbs are more potent. You can also try thyme or sage.
How Do I Roll Puff Pastry Perfectly?
Rolling puff pastry might seem tricky, but here’s the secret to keeping it even and not tearing it. Start with a lightly floured surface. Here’s how to ensure a perfect roll:
- Gently roll the pastry out into a square, making sure it’s about 12 inches on each side. Use equal pressure.
- Check for thickness and avoid stretching it too much, as this can cause tearing.
- After spreading the filling, roll tightly from one edge, but don’t press down too hard to keep layers intact.
Relax and take your time—your patience will show in the flaky result!
Brie And Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced thinly
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your pinwheels from sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a square shape, about 12×12 inches. Make sure it’s even, but don’t press too hard, or it might tear!
3. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly all over the puff pastry, but make sure to leave about a 1-inch border on the edges. This will help keep the filling inside when you roll it up!
4. Layer on the Cheese:
Next, take slices of brie cheese and distribute them evenly over the cranberry sauce. Each bite will have creamy brie—yum!
5. Sprinkle the Rosemary:
Now, add the chopped fresh rosemary over the brie and cranberry layers for that lovely herbal flavor. If you like rosemary, don’t hold back!
6. Roll it Up:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Make sure to tuck in the filling as you go and seal the edge by pinching it gently once fully rolled.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Grab a sharp knife and slice the log into about 12 equal rounds, making pinwheels that are about 1–1.5 inches thick. Each round should hold the delicious filling!
8. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the sliced pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each pinwheel so they can puff up while baking!
9. Egg Wash for Golden Color:
Brush the tops of each pinwheel lightly with the beaten egg. This will give them a gorgeous golden color when they bake—so pretty!
10. Drizzle with Honey (Optional):
If you want a touch of sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the top of the pinwheels before baking.
11. Bake Until Golden:
Put the pinwheels in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for that delicious puffed and golden-brown look!
12. Let Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. For serving, garnish with extra fresh rosemary—it adds a festive touch and extra flavor!
Enjoy these warm, cheesy, and tangy pinwheels as a delightful appetizer or snack. They’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is delicious, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will lend different flavors to the pinwheels.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough can be a great alternative. Just unroll it and spread your fillings before rolling, although the texture will be different, it will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep these ahead! Assemble the pinwheels and store them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to serve, just bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them crispy!
