These Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels are a tasty treat! With creamy brie cheese and a sweet cranberry filling wrapped in a soft tortilla, they make a perfect snack or party appetizer.
They’re so easy to make, you might find yourself snacking on them all day. Just roll ’em up, slice, and enjoy! I love serving them with a cozy drink for a delightful treat. 🍷
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is essential for a light and airy pinwheel. You can use phyllo dough if you want a different texture, just know it’ll be crispier. Store-bought works great, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own!
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan, try using camembert or cream cheese for a less rich taste. Just remember to remove the rind, especially with Brie, for better melting.
Dried Cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, try raisins or chopped dried cherries for something different. You could also use fresh cranberries, but they’d need to be cooked down a bit to soften their tartness.
Chopped Walnuts: Adding walnuts gives a nice crunch, but you can leave them out for nut allergies. Pecans or sliced almonds are great substitutes too. If you want to keep it nut-free but still want texture, consider using sunflower seeds.
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary pairs wonderfully with the cheese and cranberries. If you don’t have fresh, dried works just fine—just use half the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Roll Puff Pastry Without It Breaking?
Rolling puff pastry can be tricky, but with a detailed approach, it becomes easy! Here are some simple tips:
- Make sure it’s thawed properly; frozen pastry can crack when rolled.
- Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking. Just a sprinkle will do!
- Start from one end and roll carefully; keep it tight but not too forced.
- If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes. Puff pastry can be sensitive to heat from your hands!
Following these techniques will help you get a beautiful roll every time, making for a great presentation!
Brie And Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce or jam
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes to make a delicious batch of Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels. Perfect for a quick snack or a stunning appetizer for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pinwheels from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
Take the thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You just want to smooth it out a bit, making it easier to work with.
3. Spread the Sauce:
Evenly spread the cranberry sauce or jam over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges to ensure nothing spills out when you roll it up.
4. Add the Tasty Fillings:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts if you’re using them, and chopped rosemary across the cranberry sauce layer. This is where all that flavor comes in!
5. Layer on the Brie:
Distribute the Brie cheese slices evenly over the top of the filled pastry. This will melt beautifully and give a creamy texture to the pinwheels.
6. Roll it Up:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry sheet into a tight log. Take your time to keep it even!
7. Slice Into Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2 inch thick pinwheels. A gentle sawing motion works best to avoid squashing the filling.
8. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place each sliced pinwheel cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between them so they can puff up without sticking together.
9. Brush with Egg Wash:
For that beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of the pinwheels gently with the beaten egg. This step makes them look extra fancy!
10. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake them for about 18-22 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. This helps them set before serving.
12. Garnish for Presentation:
If you’d like, garnish the serving plate with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a touch of color and festivity.
Enjoy these warm Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels as a delicious appetizer or snack! Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry saves time and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels, slice them, and then refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming from the fridge!
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you don’t have Brie, camembert is a great alternative. For a lighter option, cream cheese works well, though it won’t melt in the same way. You could also experiment with goat cheese for a tangy flavor!
