Quick Description
These delightful pinwheels feature a creamy strawberry filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry, baked until golden and served warm. The perfect balance of sweet and creamy, they are a crowd-pleasing treat!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (chopped small)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra zest)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you want a bit more tang, add the lemon juice and mix well.
3. Prepare the Strawberries
Chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces and gently toss them with a teaspoon of sugar (optional) to release their juices.
4. Roll Out Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and to make the pastry slightly thinner, if desired.
5. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Add Strawberries
Scatter the chopped strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese filling.
7. Roll the Pastry
Carefully roll the pastry sheet into a log, starting from one of the long sides. Be sure to roll tightly but gently to avoid spilling the filling.
8. Slice the Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
9. Prepare for Baking
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with a beaten egg for a golden finish, then sprinkle with a little sugar.
10. Bake
Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
11. Cool and Serve
Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra sweetness, you can drizzle them with more powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Additional Notes
- Frozen Puff Pastry: If you don’t have fresh puff pastry, frozen works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
- Fruit Options: You can swap the strawberries for other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this dish gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based puff pastry for a dairy-free version.
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Cream Cheese Variations: Add a little cinnamon or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a flavor twist.
- Nuts: Add some crushed almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the pinwheels once they cool for a decadent touch.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone cheese for a richer, less tangy filling.
- Puff Pastry: You can use crescent roll dough or phyllo dough as an alternative to puff pastry for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve these warm pinwheels with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- For Breakfast: These pinwheels are also perfect for breakfast or brunch — especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
