These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels are a bright, sweet-heat appetizer that disappears fast at parties. The combo of tangy cranberries, spicy pepper jelly, and creamy cheese rolled inside flaky puff pastry is simple but impressive. I make them every holiday season and love how few ingredients deliver big flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
- Big flavor with minimal effort: sweet-tart cranberries meet glossy pepper jelly and cream cheese for a crowd-pleasing bite.
- Fast to prepare: mostly assembly — about 10 minutes active work for a quick party tray.
- Great for special occasions: perfect for holiday appetizers, potlucks, or game-day snacking.
- Flexible and forgiving: easy to adapt for spice level or dietary needs.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because it’s one of the few make-ahead hors d’oeuvres that stays tender and flaky after reheating.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 18–22 minutes (bake at 375°F / 190°C).
Total time: 35–40 minutes (including cooling).
Servings: 24 pinwheels (from 2 sheets puff pastry).
Difficulty: Easy.
Method: Assemble spreads on thawed puff pastry, roll, chill briefly, slice, and bake until golden.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this approach several times to get even spirals and to prevent soggy centers. Chilling the rolled logs before slicing made a big difference in clean rounds. I also learned that a light egg wash gives an attractive shine and helps browning.
How to Make Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels
You’ll spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese, dot or brush on pepper jelly, sprinkle chopped dried or fresh cranberries and optional feta, then roll the puff pastry into tight logs. Chill the logs 15–20 minutes to firm them, slice 1/2-inch rounds with a sharp knife, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden. Expect flaky layers, glossy tops, and a jammy center with a pop of heat from the jelly.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use cold puff pastry that has thawed but is still cool—warmer pastry gets sticky and loses layers.
- Soften cream cheese to spread smoothly, but don’t make it liquid; room temperature for 20–30 minutes is usually perfect.
- Chill the rolled logs on a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes; this firms the dough and prevents squashed pinwheels.
- Slice with a very sharp chef’s knife or serrated blade using a gentle back-and-forth motion to keep clean spirals.
- For inspiration and another small-bite format, check out these pepper jelly cream cheese bites which use the same flavor profile in a different shape.
How to Serve Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels
- Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy picking and a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for color.
- Offer plain Greek yogurt or a honey-mustard dip on the side to contrast the heat.
- Arrange alongside a cheese board with mild cheddar and crackers for a holiday spread.
- Great for brunch, cocktail parties, or as a finger-food starter at Thanksgiving.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked sliced pinwheels on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding 3–5 minutes to the bake time. To reheat baked pinwheels, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to crisp the pastry without drying the filling.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use a commercial gluten-free puff pastry and follow the same method; texture will be slightly less flaky.
- Dairy-free: swap cream cheese for a thick dairy-free spreadable cheese and brush with a little oil instead of egg wash.
- Add nuts: sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside for crunch.
- Extra savory: fold in 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese with the cream cheese for tang and richness.
Nutritional Highlights
- Cranberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while pepper jelly offers flavor with minimal added bulk.
- Each pinwheel is a small, portion-controlled appetizer — estimate 1–2 pinwheels per person for a party and 3–4 as a small snack.
- Allergen info: contains wheat (unless using gluten-free pastry), and dairy unless adapted; may contain eggs if you use egg wash.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy centers: chilling the rolled logs before slicing prevents filling from seeping during baking. If still soggy, use slightly less jelly or blot very wet fruit.
- Pinwheels spread or lose shape: over-handling warm pastry causes spreading; keep it cool and handle gently.
- Pale tops: apply an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tbsp water) for a golden, glossy finish; bake on the middle rack for even color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A1: Yes — you can roll and slice the pinwheels, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer prep, freeze the unbaked slices on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and bake from frozen.
Q2: What type of pepper jelly works best?
A2: Choose a pepper jelly with a balance of heat and sweetness; jalapeño-based jellies are versatile. If serving kids, use a milder jelly and offer a spicier option for adults.
Q3: Can I make bite-size pinwheels smaller than 1/2 inch slices?
A3: Yes, but smaller slices may unroll in the oven. Chill the log longer and slice gently to maintain spirals; baking time may be slightly reduced (watch closely).
Q4: How do I avoid the pastry becoming greasy?
A4: Avoid over-brushing with egg wash and don’t overload the filling. Use a light hand with jelly and cheese to keep layers distinct and flaky.
Conclusion
For more similar ideas and variations, try these recipes: Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Pinwheels – Life Currents, Jalapeno Cranberry Pinwheels – Cooks Well With Others, Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels | The Girl Who Ate Everything, and Hot Pepper Cranberry Spirals – Stonewall Kitchen. These links offer useful variations and presentation ideas to inspire your next batch.
Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright, sweet-heat appetizer featuring tangy cranberries, spicy pepper jelly, and creamy cheese rolled in flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup chopped cranberries (dried or fresh)
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on each sheet of puff pastry.
- Dot or brush pepper jelly evenly over the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped cranberries and optionally, feta cheese.
- Roll the puff pastry into tight logs and chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Slice the chilled logs into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
Chilling the logs before slicing makes the pinwheels easier to cut and helps prevent soggy centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American