Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels

The holiday season calls for treats that are as festive as they are flavorful, and these cranberry walnut pinwheels fit the bill perfectly. Crisp, buttery pastry swirls around a tangy-sweet cranberry filling with a hint of crunch from toasted walnuts, creating a bite-sized delight that’s impossible to resist. They’re the kind of holiday appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even finish setting the table.

What makes these pinwheels so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs beautifully with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts, while the flaky pastry adds just the right amount of indulgence. They’re simple to make, yet elegant enough to impress guests at any festive gathering. These aren’t just snacks—they’re little bites of holiday cheer that bring both color and taste to your party spread.

These cranberry walnut pinwheels are incredibly versatile. They can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature as part of a larger spread of savory Christmas snacks. Their cheerful red and golden swirl makes them a visually appealing addition to any platter of holiday appetizers, and their size makes them perfect for mingling guests who want something easy to grab and enjoy.

Beyond just being delicious, they’re also a fun recipe to make with family or friends. Rolling out the pastry, spreading the cranberry mixture, and slicing it into pinwheels feels festive and hands-on—almost like crafting edible ornaments. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or a large holiday party, these pinwheel recipes are sure to become a regular part of your holiday entertaining rotation.

These cranberry walnut pinwheels truly capture the spirit of the season in every bite, making them a standout cranberry appetizer for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love It

• Burst of festive flavor in every bite – The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts wrapped in buttery pastry makes each pinwheel a mini celebration of holiday tastes.
• Perfect for any holiday gathering – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a bustling holiday party, these pinwheels are easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare them ahead of time and bake just before your guests arrive, saving you stress on the big day.
• Visually festive – Their red and golden swirl instantly brightens your appetizer table, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
• Kid-approved and adult-loved – With a flavor profile that balances sweet and savory, these pinwheels are a hit with everyone, from little hands to grown-up taste buds.

Ingredient List

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh cranberries for that bright, tangy punch—it makes the flavor really pop.
• Toasting the walnuts is key! It brings out their nutty richness and adds crunch to each bite.
• Don’t skip the orange zest! It gives the pinwheels a subtle, festive citrus note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
• Brown sugar adds a touch of warmth and sweetness; I love using light brown sugar for its rich flavor.
• The puff pastry is the star here—make sure it’s fully thawed so it rolls easily and bakes up perfectly flaky.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet – For baking the pinwheels evenly; I love using a heavy-duty nonstick one.
• Parchment paper – Keeps the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the cranberry filling quickly and easily.
• Rolling pin – For flattening the puff pastry smoothly; a wooden one works best.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – For slicing the rolled pastry into neat pinwheels.
• Pastry brush – To apply the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurate ingredients every time.

Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Finely chop the cranberries and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
  Pro tip: Toasting walnuts brings out their flavor—don’t skip this step!

2. Make the Cranberry Walnut Filling

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped cranberries, toasted walnuts, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
• Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
  Pro tip: Taste the filling—adjust the sugar if your cranberries are extra tart.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
• Spread the softened butter evenly over the pastry.
• Evenly distribute the cranberry walnut mixture on top, leaving about a ½-inch border along the edges.

4. Roll and Slice the Pinwheels

• Starting from one long side, gently roll the pastry into a tight log.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into ½–¾ inch pinwheels.
  Pro tip: Chill the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing to help the pinwheels hold their shape.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
• Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
  Pro tip: Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; ovens vary and you want a golden, not burnt, finish.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature as part of your holiday appetizers spread.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep pastry cold – Cold puff pastry puffs better and is easier to work with.
• Don’t overfill – Too much filling can make the pinwheels messy and hard to slice.
• Even slices – Use a ruler or mark the pastry lightly to get uniform pinwheels.
• Watch the oven – Baking times vary; golden edges are your cue for perfection.
• Serve promptly – These are best enjoyed fresh for maximum flakiness.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Walnuts – Swap with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Cranberries – Dried cranberries work if fresh aren’t available, but reduce sugar slightly.
• Brown sugar – Maple syrup or honey can add a unique sweetness.
• Orange zest – Lemon zest adds a bright, tangy twist.
• Puff pastry – Phyllo dough can be used for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Add-ins – A sprinkle of white chocolate chips or a drizzle of glaze makes it extra festive.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these cranberry walnut pinwheels alongside a cheese board with brie and sharp cheddar—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• Pair them with a warm cup of spiced cider or mulled wine for a cozy holiday snack that guests can nibble while mingling.
• They’re great as part of a holiday brunch spread, served with scrambled eggs and roasted vegetables for a colorful table.
• Serve them as bite-sized treats on a festive platter with other savory Christmas snacks like stuffed mushrooms and mini quiches.
• For a fun twist, I sometimes add a small dollop of cream cheese on top before serving—it adds a creamy richness that everyone loves.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; perfect for prepping ahead of a party.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness; avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Just thaw them first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels and either refrigerate them for a few hours or freeze them unbaked for longer storage.

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Definitely. Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work well and give a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I keep the pinwheels from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures easy removal and keeps the bottoms crisp.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, using a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry works great—just follow the same baking instructions.

How long do they stay fresh?

They’re best eaten within 2 days at room temperature, up to 5 days refrigerated, or up to a month frozen before baking.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!