Cranberry brie pinwheels are a baked puff pastry appetizer filled with creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, fresh sage, and orange zest.
They are easy to make, freezer friendly, and ideal for holiday parties.
Cranberry brie pinwheels are made with puff pastry filled with brie cheese and cranberry sauce, rolled up, sliced, and baked until golden and flaky.
I like to add sage and orange zest because they bring balance and festive flavour, but the base idea stays very simple.
You get creamy cheese, tart fruit, and buttery pastry in every bite.
The flavor is rich but not heavy. The brie melts into the cranberry sauce, which keeps everything from feeling too savory.
The sage adds a Christmas flavour, and the orange zest lifts the whole thing. These pinwheels are great for festive dinner parties or as appetizers.
We also like making them after Christmas to use up the cranberry sauce and sometimes swap to other varieties of leftover cheese. You can also try Turkey Pinwheels.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cranberry brie pinwheels are quick to prepare and bake, which makes them ideal for last-minute guests.
- The ingredient list is short and accessible, with easy substitutions if needed.
- Puff pastry creates a flaky texture that feels special without extra work.
- The sweet and savory balance appeals to a wide range of tastes.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen, which helps with party planning.
- The recipe scales easily for small gatherings or large crowds.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Puff pastry. This provides the flaky, buttery base of the pinwheels and works best when thawed but still cold. I use store bought for ease.
- Cranberry sauce. This adds sweetness and acidity, and both homemade and store-bought versions work well. Smooth or whole.
- Brie. Choose a creamy brie that melts easily, and remove the rind if you prefer a smoother filling.
- Fresh sage or dried sage. Sage adds an earthy, savory note that balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- Orange zest. This brightens the filling and adds a subtle citrus aroma.
- Egg. Beaten egg is brushed on the pastry to help it brown evenly and develop a glossy finish.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a tray with baking parchment.
Unroll the puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread the cranberry sauce thinly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Scatter the brie pieces evenly.
Sprinkle with the sage and orange zest.
Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry into a log.
Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up (to make clean slicing easier).
Slice into 1-1.5 cm rounds and place flat-side down on the tray. Brush lightly with beaten egg.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a holiday appetizer.
- Add to a cheese and charcuterie board for variety.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a light lunch.
- Include on a brunch spread with fruit and pastries.
- Offer as a warm snack during game day.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Variations
- Swap sage for thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Try camembert instead of brie for a similar texture with a deeper flavor.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry if needed.
- Make mini pinwheels by slicing thinner rounds.
Storage, Freezing, Make-Ahead Advice
Baked cranberry brie pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to restore some of the crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the pastry.
To make ahead, assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method works well for holiday prep.
More Christmas Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Keep the puff pastry cold while working to maintain flaky layers.
- Do not overfill the pastry, as this can cause leaking during baking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice clean pinwheels without squishing them.
- Space pinwheels slightly apart on the baking sheet for even browning.
- Let them cool briefly before serving so the filling can set.
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📖 Recipe
Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry chilled but not frozen
- 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 5 ounces brie sliced or torn into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 egg beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a tray with baking parchment.
- Unroll the puff pastry into a rectangle.
- Spread the cranberry sauce thinly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Scatter the brie pieces evenly, followed by the sage and orange zest.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry into a log.
- Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up (to make clean slicing easier).
- Slice into 1-1.5 cm rounds and place flat-side down on the tray.
- Brush lightly with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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