11 Classic Puff Pastry Pinwheels to Ring in the New Year
Puff pastry pinwheels are the perfect elegant, bite-sized appetizer for any New Year's celebration. They are incredibly versatile, can be made ahead of time, and bake into beautiful, golden spirals that disappear fast! These eleven classic recipes offer a wonderful mix of savory and sweet flavors that are guaranteed to delight your guests as you countdown to midnight.
1. Spinach and Feta Pinwheels (Spanakopita-Inspired)
A savory, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic Greek pie, these pinwheels are rich with herbs and salty feta.
Description
Flaky puff pastry wrapped around a filling of cooked spinach, creamy ricotta, and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry sheet slightly to smooth creases. In a bowl, mix the dry spinach, ricotta, feta, and dill. Spread the mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Brush the seam with egg wash to seal. Cut the log into 1-inch slices. Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Pizza Pinwheels
All the flavor of a classic pizza in a neat, crowd-pleasing spiral.
Description
Puff pastry spread with marinara sauce, topped with shredded mozzarella, and sliced pepperoni.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup marinara sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni
1 tsp dried oregano
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and oregano. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Seal the edge with egg wash. Cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and pastry is golden.
3. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
A simple, savory, and classic combination that's always a hit.
Description
Puff pastry layered with Dijon mustard, thinly sliced ham, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4 slices deli ham, thinly sliced
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the Dijon mustard thinly over the pastry. Layer the ham slices evenly, followed by the shredded cheddar. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal the seam with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels
A warm, sweet pinwheel dusted with a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar.
Description
Puff pastry coated with melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, baked until caramelized.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Brush the entire surface with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Moisten the seam with water and seal. Cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar immediately after cooling slightly.
5. Hot Crab and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
An elegant, rich dip transformed into a bite-sized appetizer.
Description
Puff pastry filled with a mixture of cream cheese, lump crab meat, and Old Bay seasoning.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, and Old Bay seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly over the pastry. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and the filling is hot.
6. Bacon and Onion Pinwheels
A smoky and savory appetizer with the deep flavor of caramelized onions and crispy bacon.
Description
Puff pastry filled with a mix of cooked, crumbled bacon and sweet caramelized onions.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup caramelized onions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Scatter the bacon, caramelized onions, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pastry. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden brown.
7. Pesto and Provolone Pinwheels
A simple, vibrant pinwheel with the fresh, herbaceous flavor of basil pesto.
Description
Puff pastry spread with basil pesto and layered with thin slices of Provolone cheese.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
4 slices Provolone cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the pesto evenly over the pastry. Layer the Provolone slices on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
8. Apricot and Brie Pinwheels
A beautiful balance of sweet and savory, perfect for a sophisticated new year's toast.
Description
Puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese and a sweet apricot jam or preserve.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup apricot jam or preserves
3 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the pastry. Scatter the small cubes of Brie cheese on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and the cheese is soft and melted.
9. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
The spicy flavor of classic buffalo wings translated into a flaky pastry bite.
Description
Shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and a touch of blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 tbsp blue cheese dressing
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing. Spread the mixture evenly over the pastry. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and the filling is hot.
10. Nutella and Hazelnut Pinwheels
A simple, decadent sweet treat for the dessert table.
Description
Puff pastry spread with rich Nutella and sprinkled with chopped toasted hazelnuts.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup Nutella (hazelnut spread)
2 tbsp chopped toasted hazelnuts
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the Nutella evenly over the entire surface. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
11. Everything Bagel Seasoning Pinwheels
A savory, textural pinwheel packed with the popular flavors of an everything bagel.
Description
Puff pastry spread with cream cheese and topped generously with everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the puff pastry slightly. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle half of the everything bagel seasoning over the cream cheese. Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal with egg wash. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle the remaining seasoning on top of the pinwheels. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed.
