Flaky Puff Pastry Pinwheels That Disappear Fast

There’s something magical about the way puff pastry transforms in the oven. What starts as a simple sheet of dough turns into golden, flaky layers that feel bakery-made with almost no work. And when you roll it up with pesto, cheese, or your favorite festive filling, suddenly you’ve got the perfect holiday appetizer.

I’ve made these puff pastry pinwheels for Christmas parties, work potlucks, even last-minute get-togethers, and they never last long. The beauty is in their simplicity: you spread, roll, slice, and bake. That’s it. In less than 20 minutes, you’ve got bite-sized swirls that look like something from a catering tray but cost just a few dollars to make at home.

The best part? These pinwheels are endlessly customizable. Go classic with pesto and Parmesan, swap in cranberry and brie for a holiday twist, or even try sun-dried tomato and mozzarella for something bold and savory. However you make them, I promise—they’ll disappear before you can set down the tray.

A 15-Minute Appetizer That Saves the Holidays

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the clock with guests due any minute, puff pastry pinwheels are your rescue plan. They need just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a quick bake time. No one will ever guess you made them in less than half an hour.

Flaky Layers and Cheesy Goodness in Every Bite

There’s a reason guests think these came from a bakery. Puff pastry bakes up into golden, buttery layers that shatter at the first bite. Pair that with gooey cheese or a savory spread, and you’ve got a texture combo that feels irresistible.

Endless Flavor Combinations to Try

One of the joys of this recipe is how versatile it is. Pesto and Parmesan are my go-to, but cranberry and brie bring instant holiday cheer. Try spinach and feta for something fresh, or even ham and cheddar for kid-friendly pinwheels. The options are endless.

Make-Ahead Friendly for Stress-Free Hosting

I love that I can roll these up the night before, pop them in the fridge, and slice and bake them just before guests arrive. It takes all the pressure off hosting. You can even freeze the rolled log and bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

Crowd-Pleasing, Budget-Friendly, and Pretty on a Platter

Holiday appetizers don’t need to cost a fortune. A box of puff pastry, a bit of filling, and you can feed a whole crowd. Arrange them in circles on a white platter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and watch as everyone reaches for “just one more.”

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 3 tablespoons pesto (or cranberry sauce, sun-dried tomato spread, etc.)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or brie cubes, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread pesto evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
3. Sprinkle with cheese of choice.
4. Roll up the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into ½-inch rounds.
5. Place slices on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with egg wash.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 20 pinwheels
• Calories: ~80 per piece
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Costs: ~$5 for a full batch