Name: Brie Wheel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet thawed frozen puff pastry.; 3 tablespoons melted butter, split up.; 4 ounces Brie, most rind cut away and cheese cut into small cubes.; ¾ cup minced dried cranberries.; ½ cup chopped walnuts, small pieces.; 2 tablespoons honey.; Optional dusting of powdered sugar.

A platter of golden, puffy pastry spirals filled with dried fruit straight from the oven. | emilyscooks.com

My cranberry and brie puff pastry pinwheels have turned into a must-have at family get-togethers. There's something magical about the mix of flaky dough, smooth brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts with a touch of honey. It's so fun to see everyone's reaction when they bite into these treats.

A Must-Try Creation

I found this combo by accident one Christmas when I needed something quick to serve. The way the sharp brie gets all gooey between those buttery layers while you get little sweet pops from the cranberries—you just can't stop eating them. And the best part? I can make them ahead so I'm not stuck in the kitchen when friends come over.

Everyday Ingredients

Puff Pastry: Always got some tucked away in my freezer for quick snacks
Brie Cheese: Go for the softest kind you can find to get that perfect gooey center
Dried Cranberries: Try dunking them in orange juice first for an extra flavor kick
Nuts: My go-to is toasted pecans but walnuts are great too
Honey: Just a little drip ties all the flavors together
Butter: Helps make them turn that beautiful golden color
Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle on top makes them look extra special

Tasty Preparation

Prep Your Dough: Make sure your pastry's completely thawed then spread some melted butter all over for added yumminess
Add All The Goodies: Scatter your brie chunks cranberries and nuts all across the surface then give everything a light honey drizzle
The Cool Trick: I always stick the rolled-up log in the freezer for about 15 minutes makes cutting them so much easier
Baking Magic: Slice into small rounds and watch them puff up and turn golden brown in the oven
Finishing Touch: Let them cool just a bit so they're not too hot to taste then add a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to fancy them up

Top Cooking Tips

I always cut off the brie rind first since it melts way better without it. And here's a game-changing tip—use dental floss without flavor to slice your pinwheels. You'll get super clean cuts without squashing the pastry.

A tray of freshly baked pastry swirls filled with nuts and dried fruits, dusted with powdered sugar. | emilyscooks.com

Presentation Ideas

Through the holiday season I like to put these out still warm next to some spicy cranberry dip. Sometimes I'll create a little wine and snack corner with these pinwheels front and center surrounded by some fresh grapes and sweet toasted nuts.

Make-Ahead Wonder

What's so great about these treats is you can fix them when you've got spare time. I typically roll up a few logs to store in my freezer. It's so handy having a fancy appetizer ready to bake when friends pop over without warning.

Storage Solutions

If you end up with extras they stay good in a sealed container. I keep mine in my old cookie tin and they taste great for a few days after making them. But honestly at my house they usually vanish pretty fast.

Reviving Leftovers

When you want to eat the leftovers just toss them in the oven for a quick heat-up. They come back to life so nicely with crisp edges and melty middles just like they were fresh out of the oven the first time.

Try New Flavors

I often switch things up with different fillings. Fig jam paired with goat cheese tastes amazing and my buddy Sarah loves using caramelized onions with gruyere. You can try tons of different combos once you know the basic steps.

A close-up of golden-brown, spiral pastry rolls filled with dark red fruit pieces, arranged on a baking sheet. | emilyscooks.com

Kid-Friendly Version

For the grandkids I whip up a special batch using tiny chocolate chips instead of nuts. They call them magic swirls and we've made it our holiday custom to cook them together every year.

Allergy-Friendly Options

When my nephew found out he had nut allergies I started using sunflower seeds as a swap. They give that same nice crunch and now everyone can safely munch on them during family parties.

Crowd Pleaser

These pinwheels have been my lifesaver at so many holiday events. They look fancy enough for upscale gatherings but fit right in at casual get-togethers too. And they get gobbled up so fast you rarely have to deal with extras.

Festive Charm

These pinwheels just scream holiday celebration. The bright red cranberries against that golden crust look so festive and while they're cooking the smell fills your home with that warm Christmas feeling.

Easy Finger Food

The thing I love most about serving these is how easy they are to eat at get-togethers. No need for plates just grab one and keep chatting. They don't fall apart in your hands but still have that light delicate texture.

A close-up of golden-brown spiral pastries with a sweet filling, arranged on a rustic plate. | emilyscooks.com

Impressive Yet Easy

Friends always beg me for this recipe and can't believe how easy it is. It's one of those wonderful combos where a handful of good ingredients come together to make something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Drink Pairings

Last year around Christmas I found out these go perfectly with prosecco—the fizzy bubbles really cut through the richness. For guests who don't drink I mix up a tasty cranberry fizz that goes just as well with them.

Always Ready

After learning how well these freeze I now keep a roll or two on standby. They've gotten me out of tight spots countless times when people drop by unexpectedly or when I need to bring something to a last-minute party.

Lovely Display

I love setting these out on my grandma's old silver tray with some fresh rosemary tucked between them. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar makes them look like they've got a dusting of snow—so pretty and perfect for winter parties.

Cherished Traditions

These pinwheels have become such an important part of our family's holiday routine. From Thanksgiving all the way to New Year's we always have some around. They're not just food anymore they're a special part of how we celebrate together.

A close-up of freshly baked pastry swirls topped with chopped nuts and dried fruits on a tray. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?: You bet! Put together and slice the pinwheels up to 2 days early. Just keep them wrapped in the fridge until you're ready to pop them in the oven.
→ Why chill before cutting?: Cooling the rolled pastry for 15-30 minutes makes it easier to get clean cuts without squashing all the good stuff inside.
→ Should I remove the brie rind?: Taking off most of the rind gives you a creamier result, but it's totally up to what you like best.
→ Why space them on baking sheet?: The pastry needs breathing room to grow. If they're too crowded, they won't puff up nicely or get that golden color.
→ How do I get neat slices?: Grab your sharpest knife and make sure the pastry is good and cold before you start cutting.

Irresistible Cheese Pinwheels