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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

4.9 from 116 reviews

These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme for a sophisticated appetizer or snack. Perfectly golden and crisp, they balance fruity sweetness with creamy cheese and a touch of herbaceous freshness, complemented optionally by crunchy nuts. Easy to make with a simple rolling and baking method, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pinwheels Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 45 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry sheet is fully thawed but still cold for easy handling. Lay it flat on a piece of parchment paper placed on a clean, flat surface.
  2. Spread the Fig Preserves: Evenly spread the fig preserves over the surface of the pastry, leaving about a ½ inch border around all edges free of filling to ensure proper sealing when rolled.
  3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig spread, then sprinkle the brown sugar and scatter fresh thyme leaves evenly on top for a balanced flavor.
  4. Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape starting from one edge. Wrap the rolled log in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes; this chilling firms it up and makes slicing easier without crushing.
  5. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheel rounds. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pinwheel generously with beaten egg to create a golden brown glaze during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
  6. Optional Garnish: After baking, sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, crushed nuts, or a light drizzle of honey if desired for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Use cold puff pastry to prevent it from becoming sticky and difficult to handle.
  • Freeze the rolled pastry log before slicing to maintain clean, even pinwheel shapes.
  • Always slice with a very sharp knife to avoid squashing the layers.
  • Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess and spilling during baking.
  • Brush egg wash generously to achieve a beautiful golden color and sealed edges.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
  • Garnish pinwheels after baking for a polished presentation.

Keywords: fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, savory pinwheel recipe, easy party appetizers