Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Recipe Easy Holiday Appetizer

The buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together in this irresistible holiday appetizer that’ll make your taste buds sing. Cranberry pecan pinwheels are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and honestly, they’re as festive as it gets. Every bite feels like a celebration, and the vibrant colors make them almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

I discovered this recipe during the holiday season years ago when I was looking for something quick and elegant to serve at a family gathering. Let’s just say, they were gone before I could even set the tray down! Since then, these pinwheels have become a tradition, and trust me, they’ll be a tradition in your home too. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a last-minute appetizer, cranberry pecan pinwheels are here to save the day.

This recipe is not only delicious but also ridiculously easy to make. You’ll love how the puff pastry does most of the work for you, while the cranberries and pecans bring festive holiday vibes to the table. So grab your apron, because this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With ready-to-use puff pastry, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have.
• Perfect for Holidays: The combination of cranberries and pecans screams festive cheer, making this ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These pinwheels are always a hit, whether served as an appetizer or alongside a cozy brunch spread.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The flakiness of the puff pastry paired with the sweet and tangy filling is a match made in heaven.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures—it’s not overly sweet, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch. Plus, the visual appeal of these pinwheels makes them perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’re always the first to disappear.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a holiday masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Puff pastry: One sheet, thawed (store-bought works beautifully).
• Dried cranberries: About ½ cup, chopped (look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened ones).
• Pecans: ½ cup, chopped (toasted for extra flavor).
• Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened (adds creaminess to the filling).
• Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (for a touch of sweetness).
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (optional but highly recommended for warmth).

These ingredients are easy to find and versatile. If cranberries aren’t your thing, you can easily swap them for dried cherries or raisins. And the cream cheese? It’s the glue that holds everything together, creating a luscious base for the filling.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rolling pin: To gently roll out the puff pastry.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
• Knife or pastry cutter: To slice the pinwheels evenly.
• Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Spatula: Helps spread the filling evenly.

If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle works as a great substitute. And for slicing, a sharp knife will do the trick. No need to overthink it—these tools are all about making your life easier.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the puff pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the fridge and let it thaw according to the package instructions. Roll it out gently with a rolling pin to smooth the edges.
2. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the mix-ins: Fold in the chopped cranberries and pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Spread the filling: Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges.
5. Roll it up: Carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, starting from one edge. Pinch the seam to seal it shut.
6. Slice the pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pinwheels for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
8. Cool and serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.

Pro tip: If your puff pastry becomes too sticky while rolling, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—these pinwheels need room to puff up!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here’s what I’ve learned from making these pinwheels countless times:

• Toast your pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor, making the filling even more irresistible.
• Keep the puff pastry cold: Cold puff pastry puffs up better, so work quickly and keep it chilled until ready to bake.
• Use a serrated knife: A serrated knife prevents squishing the pinwheels when slicing.
• Don’t skip parchment: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to play around with the mix-ins—think walnuts, dried cherries, or even orange zest.

One mistake I made early on was overfilling the pastry—learn from me and keep the filling evenly spread to avoid messy baking disasters!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun ideas:

• Dietary swaps: Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Flavor twists: Add a sprinkle of orange zest or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Seasonal swap: Replace cranberries with dried apricots or figs for a different flavor profile.
• Nut-free version: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
• Savory adaptation: Skip the sugar and cranberries and use spinach, feta, and herbs for a savory twist.

I once added a handful of shredded coconut to the filling, and let me tell you—it was a game changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These pinwheels are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a festive platter for a holiday party or brunch spread. Pair them with a sparkling cider or a cozy cup of coffee for the perfect complement.

For storage, let the pinwheels cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their flakiness.

If you want to make them ahead of time, assemble the pinwheels and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on one pinwheel):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

The cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and the pecans provide healthy fats and protein. Puff pastry isn’t the healthiest option, but hey—this recipe is all about balance and indulgence during the holidays!

Conclusion

Cranberry pecan pinwheels are the ultimate holiday appetizer—easy, festive, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a quick snack for unexpected guests, these pinwheels have you covered.

I love this recipe not only for its flavor but for the memories it creates every time I make it. There’s something magical about sharing food that’s both beautiful and comforting. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the holiday cheer begin!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share a picture on social media. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries can be tart. You may want to cook them down with a little sugar before adding them to the filling.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pinwheels and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions.

Are there gluten-free puff pastry options?

Yes, some brands offer gluten-free puff pastry. Check the freezer section of your local grocery store.

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