Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry

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When I want a showstopping appetizer that feels festive but does not require hours in the kitchen I turn to these Cranberry Brie Pinwheels. Each swirl combines buttery pastry golden and flaky with homemade cranberry sauce and creamy brie making them both pretty and irresistibly tasty. If you are entertaining around the holidays or just want to add something special to a winter gathering these are my go to.

What Makes It Special

• Uses store-bought puff pastry for major time savings
• Homemade cranberry sauce steals the show with a fresh tart pop
• Comforting creamy brie melts perfectly between the flaky layers
• Rolls can be prepped weeks in advance and baked straight from the freezer
• They always vanish first at every party I bring them to

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I first made these for a holiday open house years ago nervously hoping the pinwheels would hold together The result was better than I ever dreamed friends still ask for the recipe every winter.

What You’ll Need

• Fresh cranberries: They bring brightness and a lively color look for berries that are shiny and plump
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries use fine white sugar for quick dissolving
• Water: Simple base for the cranberry sauce filtered water keeps flavors clean
• Rosemary sprig or orange peel: Adds complexity and aroma choose firm green rosemary or untreated orange peel for the best flavor
• Puff pastry: Choose a good butter-based brand and make sure it is fully thawed but still cold
• Brie: Look for a creamy wheel with a white rind and no cracks it should feel soft but not overly runny
• Chopped rosemary or orange zest: These little accents lift the flavors and make the pinwheels extra aromatic select fresh herbs or bright zest for best results

Let’s Cook This Together

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Make the Cranberry Sauce:

Cook cranberries sugar and water with rosemary or orange peel in a saucepan over medium heat stirring often Watch as the berries burst and the sauce thickens like jam about twenty minutes Remove the rosemary or orange peel Cool completely so it thickens

Prep the Puff Pastry:

Lay a sheet of thawed puff pastry on parchment paper Roll gently to smooth out creases but do not make it too thin

Spread the Sauce:

Evenly spread the cooled cranberry sauce over the pastry Leave a half inch border along one edge This space will help seal the roll

Layer the Cheese and Flavor:

Slice brie into thin portions and arrange over the sauce Scatter chopped rosemary or orange zest for added fragrance Dab the bare border with water for sticking

Roll and Chill:

Starting at the opposite edge carefully roll the pastry up into a snug log Transfer the log seam side down to a sheet pan Repeat for the second sheet of pastry Place both logs in the freezer until firm enough to slice about twenty five minutes

Slice:

With a sharp knife cut each log into twelve even pieces Arrange them cut side down on parchment-lined baking sheets with space between for puffing

Bake:

Place in an oven preheated to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Bake until golden and crisp at the edges about twenty five minutes Let them cool five minutes before serving for best texture

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Good to Know

• Each pinwheel is full of color and flavor making every platter stand out
• Great for making ahead and freezing for busy days
• They are vegetarian crowd pleasers that kids and adults enjoy equally

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Favorite Moments

One of my favorite moments with this recipe is watching everyone gather around the oven as the buttery smell fills the house My favorite part is sneaking a taste of the warm brie just as it starts to ooze

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Keeping It Fresh

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To keep pinwheels as flaky as possible store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer briefly Do not microwave or they lose their crispness Freezing before baking keeps the pastry at its best If you love planning ahead assemble and freeze on a sheet pan then bake from frozen whenever you need a quick appetizer

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• No fresh cranberries Use a good quality jarred cranberry sauce and simmer it briefly to thicken and brighten up the flavor
• Instead of brie try camembert or even a soft goat cheese for a tangy twist
• Rosemary and orange zest are completely optional mix and match depending on what you have

How to Serve It Right

Arrange pinwheels on a platter with fresh rosemary sprigs or extra orange zest for color They taste great warm but can also be served at room temperature Pair them with sparkling wine cider or even a cup of festive tea for a cozy touch If serving for brunch try alongside a salad of winter greens for a lovely balance

Behind the Dish

Cranberry brie pinwheels blend French and classic American flavors all wrapped in a golden pastry I love how something so easy can turn into a celebration dish They are my secret weapon for elevating a simple appetizer spread and making friends feel truly spoiled

Kitchen Wisdom

• Chill the rolled logs before slicing to get clean beautiful pinwheels
• Thaw your puff pastry slowly in the fridge to avoid sticky dough
• Brushing the baking sheet or parchment lightly with oil helps the pastry release easily

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, prepared cranberry sauce works in a pinch, but homemade sauce offers fresher flavor and texture.

→ What can I substitute for brie?

Camembert or a creamy goat cheese pairs well and will also melt nicely into the pastry spirals.

→ How far ahead can I prep the pinwheels?

You can assemble and slice them, then freeze until ready to bake. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

→ How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during baking?

Chill the rolled pastry logs before slicing, and seal the edge with a bit of water to help them hold their shape.

→ What herbs pair nicely with cranberry and brie?

Fresh rosemary or orange zest both complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully, adding aroma and depth.