This holiday favorite came into my kitchen the year I decided to simplify party prep without sacrificing wow factor. I wanted an appetizer that could be assembled ahead of time, baked to order, and served warm with minimal fuss. The answer was a simple combination of tart cranberries cooked down to a glossy jam and creamy brie tucked into buttery puff pastry. The first time I served these at a neighborhood cookie swap, people kept coming back to the plate between bites of cookies and cocktails. They were gone in twenty minutes.

What makes these pinwheels special is the contrast of textures and flavors in a single bite. The puff pastry puffs into delicate, crisp layers; the cranberry jam gives a bright, citrusy tang; and the melted brie contributes a rich, velvety mouthfeel that carries the whole bite. I often customize the filling with a touch of rosemary in winter or orange zest for a brighter profile, but the base technique stays the same. They travel well from kitchen to table and can be frozen pre-bake for last-minute hosting peace of mind.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): Look for bright, firm berries with no soft spots. Fresh berries give the best jam texture and a bright, tangy flavor; frozen work in a pinch but may require more time to reduce.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the cranberries and helps the jam set. Use regular granulated sugar; organic or cane sugar works the same in this application.
• Water (1 cup): The cooking liquid for the cranberries. You can substitute a splash of orange juice for extra citrus notes if desired.
• Flavoring: rosemary sprig or orange peel: A single sprig of rosemary yields a savory resinous note, while a strip of orange peel gives a bright citrus lift. Both are optional but recommended.
• Puff pastry (17.3 ounces, 1 package): Use ready-thawed sheets from the refrigerated section. Keep them cold until you roll to preserve flakiness. Popular brands include Pepperidge Farm in the US.
• Brie (8 ounces, one wheel): Choose a quality wheel with a soft, creamy center. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use aged brie or swap for triple-cream varieties carefully as they melt differently.
• Garnish - chopped rosemary or orange zest (1 tablespoon, optional): A light sprinkle adds aroma and visual contrast without overwhelming the filling.

Instructions

Quick Cranberry Jam: In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine 12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water and either a rosemary sprig or the peel from one quarter of an orange. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until berries break down and mixture reduces to a jam-like consistency, about 18 to 22 minutes. Remove the rosemary or peel and transfer to a bowl to cool completely; the mixture will thicken as it cools. Prep Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured or parchment-lined surface and roll gently to remove creases and create an even rectangle roughly 10 by 12 inches. Keep the second sheet chilled while you work. Assemble the Log: Evenly spread a thin layer of cooled cranberry jam over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Thinly slice the 8-ounce wheel of brie and arrange slices evenly over the jam. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or 1 tablespoon orange zest if using. Lightly brush the bare border with water to seal. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log, sealing the edge underneath to prevent unrolling. Chill and Slice: Place the log seam-side down on a small baking sheet and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until firm but not rock-hard; this makes clean slicing easier. Repeat with the second sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 12 even slices and transfer slices spaced about 1 inch apart to the prepared baking sheets. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until pastry is puffed and golden at the edges, about 23 to 25 minutes. Rotate the pans once for even browning. Remove and let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the melted brie sets slightly and the slices are easier to handle.

Storage Tips

For short-term storage, let baked pinwheels cool completely and place them in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb moisture; refrigerate up to 4 days. To freeze unbaked slices, place them on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, flash freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen adding 2 to 3 minutes. To reheat leftovers, use a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or an air fryer at 320°F for 4 to 6 minutes to refresh crispness without over-browning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different flavor profile, swap the brie for a mild goat cheese for tanginess or cream cheese for a milder, denser filling. Use orange marmalade or apricot jam instead of homemade cranberry jam for a sweeter, more approachable version. For a vegan option, choose a plant-based butter puff pastry and a meltable vegan cheese; be aware textures will vary slightly. Reduce sugar in the cranberry jam by 1/4 cup for a tarter result, or add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with cocktail picks and a garnish of fresh thyme or a few microgreens for color. These pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. For a heartier appetizer spread, present alongside roasted nuts, a charcuterie board, or a winter green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For holiday brunches, offer alongside scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes for a sweet-savory counterpoint.

Cultural Background

Small savory pastries are a common celebratory bite across many cuisines, from Swedish appetizer pinwheels to French vol-au-vents. Using puff pastry with fruit and soft cheese brings a European sensibility to modern American holiday tables. Cranberries themselves are deeply rooted in North American culinary history and are commonly associated with winter celebrations, so combining them with creamy cheese and flaky pastry feels both timeless and festive.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter use rosemary and orange zest for warming flavors. For spring or summer entertaining, swap cranberry jam for a berry compote and use a fresh herb like tarragon or basil for brightness. For Thanksgiving, include a sprinkle of toasted pecans inside each roll for crunch. Adjust the warming spices in the jam — a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom — to coordinate with seasonal menus.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline holiday prep, make the cranberry jam up to one week ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and roll the puff pastry logs the day before and freeze on a tray; on the event day slice and bake directly from frozen. Label containers with baking times. Keep a spare sheet of puff pastry on hand for last-minute batches — they bake quickly and make a great buffer when guests arrive hungry.

These pinwheels are the kind of simple, elegant treat that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable ones. Make the jam a day or two ahead, keep the logs chilled, and you can pull off a beautiful appetizer with very little stress. Enjoy the process and don't be afraid to add your own seasonal twist.