Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites Recipe

There is something truly magical about Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites that makes them an absolute standout during festive gatherings. These delightful little bites combine the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese and orange marmalade filling, accented perfectly by the tart zest of dried cranberries and bright orange zest. Each pinwheel is a perfect swirl of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, delivering a festive burst that is sure to charm your guests and become a beloved holiday tradition. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday appetizer or a sweet treat, Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your celebration.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that together create an incredible array of flavors and textures. From the flaky puff pastry providing a crisp base to the creamy, citrusy filling, every component plays a vital role in making these pinwheels shine.

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky foundation that holds everything together and bakes up golden and crisp.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds smooth richness and a creamy texture that balances the sweet and tart.
• 2 tbsp orange marmalade: Brings a vibrant citrus sweetness with a touch of zestiness.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped: Bursts of tart flavor and chewy texture that brighten every bite.
• 1 tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth.
• 1 tsp orange zest: Freshens the filling with aromatic oil-rich zest, enhancing that orange punch.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Provides a glossy, golden finish to make the pinwheels visually irresistible.
• Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional): A light dusting adds a festive look and subtle sweetness.

How to Make Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once your pinwheels are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this prevents sticking and helps keep the bottoms crisp and golden.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, orange marmalade, honey, and freshly grated orange zest. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites, bringing together luscious texture and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels

Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire pastry, making sure every inch is covered for consistent flavor. Then scatter the chopped dried cranberries on top — these little gems will add delightful pops of tartness and texture.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log. This rolling technique creates those signature swirled layers inside each pinwheel. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into about 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange these rounds spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of room so they can puff and expand beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to give them that irresistible golden sheen as they bake. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and perfectly browned.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once baked, allow your Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites to cool slightly on a wire rack. For a festive final touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar if you like. This adds a snowy, elegant look that makes these bites even more special on your holiday spread.

How to Serve Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites

Garnishes

These pinwheels are charming on their own, but you can elevate them with fresh garnishes. Try sprinkling extra orange zest or a few whole dried cranberries on top just before serving. A small sprig of fresh rosemary or mint nearby adds fragrant holiday flair and a pop of color to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites pair wonderfully with both savory and sweet accompaniments. Serve alongside a cheese platter featuring creamy brie or tangy goat cheese to complement the citrusy flavors, or alongside warm mulled cider and spiced nuts for a cozy holiday vibe. Their versatility means they make a brilliant addition to any festive table.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter, forming a wreath shape that’s perfect for the holidays. You can even thread a few onto festive toothpicks as charming finger food for parties. Elevate your display with small bowls of orange marmalade or honey for dipping—your guests are sure to love the interactive element.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them crisp and allows the flavors to meld just a little more, making for a delightful snack even after the party is over.

Freezing

These pinwheels freeze beautifully. Arrange the unbaked slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive their flaky crispness without drying them out, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic every single time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and juicy than dried ones, which can affect the texture and moisture balance of the pinwheels. Dried cranberries work best here to provide that sweet-tart chewiness without making the pastry soggy.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an alternative, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work well. They offer a similar creamy texture but with a different flavor profile, so make sure to adjust the sweetness to keep the right balance.

Can these pinwheels be made vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For the egg wash, brush with a little almond milk or melted coconut oil to get that golden finish.

How long do Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites keep their freshness?

Best enjoyed within 2 days when stored properly at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start losing their crispness but still taste delicious if reheated gently.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts folded in with the dried cranberries add a wonderful texture contrast. Just sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling.

Final Thoughts

Making Holiday Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Bites is an absolute joy, from the simple ingredients to the beautiful swirled result that tastes even better than it looks. These bites capture the essence of the season in every flaky, flavorful morsel. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it quickly become a treasured part of your holiday celebrations—your friends and family will thank you for it!