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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels – Sweet, Savory & Irresistibly Flaky Party Appetizers

Few bites feel as sophisticated yet effortless as Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels—delicate swirls of buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig preserves. These golden pinwheels bake up crisp on the outside with melty, tangy, and slightly sweet centers, making them the perfect finger food for parties, brunches, or easy appetizers that impress. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, these pinwheels are endlessly versatile: serve them warm or at room temperature, drizzle with honey for extra indulgence, or pair with wine for a classy snack. Once you try them, you’ll make them on repeat for every gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 18 pinwheels
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 4 oz goat cheese softened
  • 3 –4 tbsp fig preserves or fig jam
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey fresh thyme, or chopped walnuts

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sharp knife
  • Small offset spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowl (for egg wash)

Method
 

Step 1. Prep Puff Pastry
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly flour your work surface.
  4. Unfold or roll out puff pastry sheet into a 10x12-inch rectangle.
Step 2. Spread Goat Cheese & Fig Jam
  1. Using an offset spatula, spread 4 oz softened goat cheese evenly over pastry, leaving a ½-inch border.
  2. Dollop and spread 3–4 tbsp fig preserves on top of goat cheese.
Step 3. Roll & Slice
  1. Starting on a long side, roll pastry into a tight log.
  2. Place seam-side down.
  3. Slice log into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
Step 4. Arrange on Baking Sheet
  1. Place pinwheels cut-side up on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1–2 inches apart.
Step 5. Brush & Bake
  1. Whisk 1 egg with 1 tbsp water.
  2. Brush tops of pinwheels with egg wash.
  3. Bake 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Step 6. Finish & Serve
  1. Optional: drizzle warm pinwheels with honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme or chopped walnuts.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room temperature: Store covered up to 4 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
Freezer: Freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Savory Herb: Add 1 tbsp chopped rosemary or thyme with goat cheese.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle ¼ cup finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts before rolling.
Cheese Swap: Use brie or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Prosciutto: Layer 2–3 slices of prosciutto over goat cheese before fig jam.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use fresh figs?
Yes—thinly slice fresh figs and layer over goat cheese instead of using preserves.
2. Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely—cream cheese gives a milder, creamier filling.
3. Do I need to chill the pinwheels before baking?
Chilling 10 minutes helps keep perfect swirls, but it’s optional.
4. Can I make them ahead?
Yes—assemble, slice, and refrigerate up to 1 day; bake before serving.
5. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Definitely—just roll to same size and follow recipe.
6. Why did my pinwheels unroll in the oven?
Rolling too loosely or overfilling can cause unrolling; roll tightly and don’t overstuff.
7. Can I bake them on foil instead of parchment?
Parchment is best for easy release, but lightly greased foil can work.
8. Can I serve them cold?
They’re best warm or at room temp but can be enjoyed cold.
9. How do I make them sweeter?
Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.
10. Are these vegetarian?
Yes—without prosciutto or meat add-ins, they’re vegetarian.
🏁 Conclusion
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or elegant snack—sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp in every swirl. They’re easy to whip up, look impressive on any platter, and disappear fast at parties. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, wine night, or holiday gathering, these pinwheels will quickly become your new go-to recipe.