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After countless holiday gatherings, my cranberry and brie puff pastry pinwheels have become legendary among friends and family. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy brie, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts drizzled with honey creates pure magic. I love watching guests' faces light up when they take their first bite.
A Recipe Worth Sharing
I stumbled upon this combination one Christmas Eve when I needed a quick appetizer. The way the tangy brie melts into the flaky layers while the cranberries add little bursts of sweetness it's simply irresistible. Best of all I can prep them ahead which makes entertaining so much easier.
Simple Kitchen Staples
- Puff Pastry: I keep a box in my freezer for last minute entertaining
- Brie Cheese: The creamier the better for that perfect melt
- Dried Cranberries: I sometimes soak them in orange juice for extra flavor
- Nuts: Toasted pecans are my favorite but walnuts work beautifully too
- Honey: Just a drizzle brings everything together
- Butter: For that gorgeous golden finish
- Powdered Sugar: A little dust makes them look magical
Let's Get Rolling
- Start With The Base
- First things first let your pastry thaw completely then brush it with melted butter for extra richness
- Layer With Love
- Sprinkle those lovely cubes of brie cranberries and nuts evenly over the surface finishing with a honey drizzle
- The Chilly Secret
- My trick is popping that rolled log in the freezer for a quick 15 minutes makes slicing so much neater
- Time To Bake
- Cut into perfect little pinwheels and watch them transform in the oven into golden beauties
- Final Flourish
- Let them cool just enough so you don't burn your tongue then dust with powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy
My Kitchen Secrets
I always trim off the brie rind before using it melts so much better that way. And here's a game changer use unflavored dental floss to cut your pinwheels it gives you the cleanest slices without squishing the pastry.
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Ways To Serve
During the holidays I love serving these warm from the oven alongside a bowl of spiced cranberry sauce for dipping. Sometimes I'll set up a little wine and appetizer station with these pinwheels as the star surrounded by clusters of grapes and honey roasted nuts.
Plan Ahead Magic
The beauty of these pinwheels is you can prepare them when you have time. I often make a few logs and keep them in the freezer. Nothing beats having a fancy appetizer ready to pop in the oven when unexpected guests drop by.
Keeping Your Treats Fresh
If you somehow end up with leftovers they'll stay lovely in an airtight container. I pop them in my vintage cookie tin and they're still delicious for days. Though in my house they rarely last that long.
Bringing Back The Crunch
When you're ready to enjoy leftovers just pop them in the oven for a quick warm up. They come back to life beautifully with crispy edges and melty centers just like when they were first baked.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I play around with different combinations. Fig jam with goat cheese is divine and my friend Sarah swears by caramelized onions with gruyere. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic technique.
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Little Ones Love These Too
For my grandkids I make a special batch swapping the nuts for mini chocolate chips. They call them magical spirals and it's become our special holiday tradition making them together.
Everyone Can Enjoy
When my nephew was diagnosed with nut allergies I started making these with sunflower seeds instead. They add the same lovely crunch and everyone can safely enjoy them at family gatherings.
Party Perfect
These pinwheels have saved me at countless holiday gatherings. They're elegant enough for fancy cocktail parties yet perfectly at home at casual potlucks. Plus they disappear fast so you never have to worry about leftovers.
Holiday Joy
Nothing says holiday celebration quite like these pinwheels. The red cranberries against the golden pastry look so festive and the aroma while they're baking just fills the house with Christmas spirit.
Perfect Party Bites
What I love most about these is how easy they are to eat at parties. No plates needed just grab and mingle. They're sturdy enough to hold without crumbling yet delicate enough to feel special.
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Simple Yet Sophisticated
People always ask for this recipe and they're amazed at how simple it is. It's one of those magical combinations where a few quality ingredients come together to create something truly special.
The Perfect Pour
Last Christmas I discovered these pair beautifully with prosecco the bubbles complement the richness perfectly. For non drinking guests I make a special cranberry spritzer that's just as festive.
Always Be Prepared
Since discovering how well these freeze I always keep a roll or two ready to go. They've saved me countless times when last minute guests show up or when I need to bring something to an impromptu gathering.
Pretty As A Picture
I love arranging these on my grandmother's silver platter with fresh rosemary sprigs tucked between them. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look like they've been touched by winter frost so elegant and festive.
Holiday Memories
These pinwheels have become such a part of our family's holiday traditions. From Thanksgiving through New Year's we always have them on hand. They're more than just an appetizer they're a treasured part of our celebrations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare and cut pinwheels up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.
- → Why chill before cutting?
Chilling the rolled pastry for 15-30 minutes helps create clean, even slices without squishing the filling.
- → Should I remove the brie rind?
Removing most of the rind creates a smoother texture, but this is personal preference.
- → Why space them on baking sheet?
Puff pastry needs room to expand. Overcrowding prevents proper puffing and browning.
- → How do I get neat slices?
Use a very sharp knife and ensure pastry is well chilled before cutting.