Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Cranberry Sauce, Brie & Pecans

Cranberry Brie Pinwheels are a festive puff pastry appetizer filled with creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. They are easy enough for casual gatherings but elegant enough for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Cranberry Brie Pinwheels bake into golden spirals with crisp edges, gooey cheese, and a rich balance of sweet, savory, buttery, and nutty flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 18 to 22 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 18 to 20 pinwheels

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 ounces brie cheese, rind removed if preferred
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Optional Garnishes

• Extra chopped pecans
• Fresh rosemary
• A light drizzle of honey
• Flaky sea salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Brie Pinwheels are quick to assemble and require only a handful of ingredients. Puff pastry does most of the work, giving the appetizer a flaky, bakery-style texture without needing homemade dough.

Another reason to love Cranberry Brie Pinwheels is the flavor combination. Brie melts into a creamy layer, cranberry sauce brings brightness and sweetness, and pecans add crunch. Fresh rosemary gives the filling a fragrant, savory finish that keeps the appetizer from tasting overly sweet.

They are also easy to prepare ahead, making them useful when you are hosting and want an appetizer that can be assembled before guests arrive.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface.

Gently roll it into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches. Avoid pressing too hard because you want to preserve the pastry layers.

If the pastry becomes very soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 5 to 10 minutes before continuing.

Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Spread the cranberry sauce over the pastry in a thin, even layer.

Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges so the filling does not squeeze out when the pastry is rolled.

For the neatest Cranberry Brie Pinwheels, avoid using an overly thick layer of sauce.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Cut the brie into very small pieces or thin slices.

Distribute the cheese evenly over the cranberry layer.

Small pieces melt more evenly and make the pastry easier to roll.

Step 4: Add the Pecans and Seasonings

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the brie.

Add the rosemary and black pepper.

If you prefer a slightly sweeter appetizer, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the filling.

Step 5: Roll the Pastry

Starting from one long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log.

Keep the roll firm but do not crush the layers.

Pinch the seam gently to help it stay closed.

Step 6: Chill the Roll

Wrap the pastry log loosely in parchment or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Chilling is important because it helps Cranberry Brie Pinwheels hold their spiral shape and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Slice the Pinwheels

Remove the chilled pastry log from the refrigerator.

Using a sharp knife, cut it into slices about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

You should get approximately 18 to 20 pieces, depending on the size of the roll.

Step 9: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave at least 1 inch between each piece so the pastry has room to puff.

If any spirals loosen, gently reshape them with your fingers.

Step 10: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

Lightly brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash.

This gives Cranberry Brie Pinwheels a shiny, golden finish.

Step 11: Bake

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.

Step 12: Cool Slightly

Let the pinwheels rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Top Cranberry Brie Pinwheels with a few chopped pecans, fresh rosemary, or a very light drizzle of honey if desired.

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Brie Pinwheels are perfect for holiday appetizer boards and pair beautifully with fresh grapes, sliced pears, apple wedges, crackers, olives, and toasted nuts.

For a larger party spread, serve Cranberry Brie Pinwheels alongside baked brie, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, crostini, vegetable bites, or a simple charcuterie board.

They also make an attractive starter before roast chicken, turkey, ham, or other festive main dishes.

For a cool and creamy treat, try our Creamy Avocado Ice Cream made with simple ingredients and an easy no-churn method.

Recipe Tips

Keep the puff pastry cold until you are ready to work with it. Warm pastry becomes sticky and does not puff as well.

Use a thick cranberry sauce rather than a very runny one.

Cut the brie into small pieces so it melts evenly.

For the cleanest Cranberry Brie Pinwheels, chill the rolled pastry before slicing.

Bake until the pastry is deeply golden rather than pale, because properly browned puff pastry is crisper and more flavorful.

Easy Variations

Cranberry Brie Pinwheels can be customized in several ways.

Replace pecans with walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.

Use fig jam, raspberry preserves, apricot jam, or onion chutney instead of cranberry sauce.

For a savory variation, add caramelized onions with the brie.

A little orange zest works beautifully with cranberry.

You may also enjoy our Carrot Cake Protein Muffins for a soft, warmly spiced breakfast made with grated carrots, oats, Greek yogurt, eggs, and protein powder.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The pastry log can be assembled up to one day ahead.

Wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to slice and bake.

You can also slice the unbaked Cranberry Brie Pinwheels, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, and refrigerate them for several hours.

Brush with egg wash just before baking.

For longer storage, freeze the sliced unbaked pinwheels on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Cranberry Brie Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in a 350°F or 175°C oven for 6 to 10 minutes.

An air fryer also works well and helps restore the crisp pastry.

Microwaving is convenient, but the pastry will become softer.

If freezing baked pinwheels, cool them completely first and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per pinwheel:

Calories: 145
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 135 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the puff pastry, brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes. Homemade cranberry sauce works very well, especially if it is thick rather than watery.

Do I have to remove the rind from the brie?

No. The rind is edible. Remove it only if you prefer a smoother filling.

Can I make Cranberry Brie Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pastry log up to one day in advance and keep it refrigerated until slicing and baking.

Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, although the texture will be softer and less flaky.

Why did my filling leak out?

Too much cranberry sauce, overfilled pastry, or a loose roll can cause leaking. A little leakage is normal.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes. Freeze the sliced pinwheels on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds can work well.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Brie Pinwheels combine flaky pastry, creamy cheese, tart cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs in a festive appetizer that looks impressive without requiring complicated preparation.

Because Cranberry Brie Pinwheels can be assembled ahead and baked shortly before serving, they are especially useful for holiday entertaining.

Keep this Cranberry Brie Pinwheels recipe handy for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, brunches, potlucks, or any occasion when you want a simple appetizer with elegant flavor.

With their crisp golden edges, creamy center, sweet-tart cranberry layer, and nutty crunch, Cranberry Brie Pinwheels are an easy crowd-pleasing addition to almost any celebration.