Elegant Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Gooey Fig & Tangy Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Delicate spirals of savory deliciousness dance across your plate with these irresistible fig and goat cheese pinwheels that promise a gourmet experience.

Soft, creamy goat cheese mingles with sweet, luscious figs in a culinary waltz of flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and rich notes that tantalize the senses.

Elegant yet simple, these pinwheels work magic as an appetizer or party snack.

The combination of silky cheese and jammy figs creates a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these pinwheels are your ticket to instant entertaining success.

You’ll love how quickly these elegant bites come together, making them a go-to recipe for spontaneous gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 20min

Total Time: 40min

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 9

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels: Ingredient Snapshot

For Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Provides the delicate, flaky foundation for these elegant pinwheels, ensuring a light and crispy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy baking and clean removal of pinwheels.
For Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Fig Preserves, Goat Cheese: A divine sweet-tangy combination that creates a luxurious and creamy filling with complex flavor profiles.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Fresh Thyme: Introduces an aromatic, earthy herb note that beautifully complements the sweet and creamy elements.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Beaten Egg: Provides a golden, glossy finish and helps seal the pastry edges for a professional-looking result.

Rolling Tools for Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

  • Sheet pan: Large, flat baking tray for even cooking and easy pastry transfer.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for precise, clean cuts when slicing pinwheels.
  • Pastry brush: Perfect for applying beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
  • Mixing bowl: Useful for beating the egg and preparing the glaze.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately sprinkle brown sugar and thyme.

How to Assemble and Bake These Flavorful Pinwheels

  • Pastry Preparation

Grab your chilled puff pastry and unfold it gently on a clean surface covered with parchment paper.

  • Flavor Canvas

Spread a delightful layer of sweet fig preserves across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges for a clean roll.

  • Cheese and Herb Sprinkle

Crumble soft goat cheese generously over the fig spread, then dust with brown sugar and scatter fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.

  • Rolling Technique

Create a tight, smooth log by carefully rolling the pastry from one end to the other, keeping the delicious filling tucked inside.

  • Chilling Session

Pop the pastry roll into the freezer for about 20 minutes to help it firm up and make slicing easier.

  • Slicing Magic

Remove the chilled roll and slice into delicate rounds using a sharp knife, arranging them on a baking sheet.

  • Golden Finish

Brush each pinwheel with a light egg wash to create a stunning, glossy exterior that’ll crisp up beautifully.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven and bake until the pinwheels transform into golden, puffy delights.

  • Serving Celebration

Transfer the warm pinwheels to a serving platter, adding a final sprinkle of thyme for an elegant touch.

Flavor Swaps for Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

  • Freezing the rolled pastry log helps maintain crisp layers and prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Experiment with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or cherry to create unique flavor combinations that match your taste preferences.
  • Try different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme to add unexpected depth and aromatic complexity to the pinwheels.
  • Substitute goat cheese with crumbled blue cheese or cream cheese for a different tangy profile that complements the sweet fig preserves.
  • Prepare the pastry log in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month for quick entertaining options.

Serving Tips for Pinwheels as Appetizers or Snacks

  • Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange these golden pinwheels on a sleek wooden board with fresh thyme sprigs, creating a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired presentation that will impress guests.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet fig and tangy goat cheese flavors, elevating the entire tasting experience.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Set these pinwheels as a stunning focal point during weekend brunches, nestled with mixed green salad and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of gourmet elegance.
  • Cocktail Party Star: Transform these pinwheels into bite-sized conversation starters at social gatherings, making them perfect finger food that combines sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes in one delectable bite.

Make-Ahead Storage Tips for Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

  • Fridge Storage Magic: Keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delightful flavor.
  • Freezer Friendly Trick: Wrap unbaked pinwheel log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for future quick appetizers, lasting up to 2 months for spontaneous entertaining.
  • Reheating Perfection: Warm chilled pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their original flaky crispness and bring back that fresh-baked feeling.
  • Advance Prep Strategy: Assemble the pinwheel log up to 24 hours before baking, storing it in the refrigerator wrapped securely for convenient party planning and stress-free hosting.
Print
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Elegant Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Elegant Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40min
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Savory fig and goat cheese pinwheels blend Mediterranean flavors with elegant presentation. Delicate pastry spirals showcase creamy cheese and sweet figs, promising a sophisticated appetizer that delights guests at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz (113 g) plain goat cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fig preserves
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Pastry Preparation: Lay thawed puff pastry on parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a smooth, flat canvas for pinwheel creation.
  2. Flavor Layering: Spread fig preserves across pastry, leaving a narrow border; generously distribute crumbled goat cheese, brown sugar, and fresh thyme leaves to build a complex flavor landscape.
  3. Rolling Technique: Carefully roll pastry into a tight cylindrical log, applying gentle pressure to seal ingredients and prevent unraveling.
  4. Chilling Process: Wrap pastry log in parchment and freeze until firm, allowing for precise cutting and optimal texture development.
  5. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F, creating the perfect environment for transforming delicate pastry into golden, crisp pinwheels.
  6. Slicing and Arrangement: Remove chilled log and slice into uniform half-inch rounds, positioning them gracefully on baking sheet.
  7. Finishing Touches: Brush pinwheels with beaten egg to achieve a lustrous, golden-brown exterior; bake until pastry puffs dramatically and caramelizes (15-20 minutes).
  8. Serving: Present immediately, optionally garnishing with additional brown sugar and fresh thyme for an elegant final flourish.

Notes

  • Chill the Pastry: Freezing the rolled log ensures clean, precise cuts and helps maintain the pinwheels’ structural integrity during baking.
  • Mind the Border: Leave a small margin when spreading preserves to prevent leakage and create a neat, professional-looking pastry.
  • Egg Wash Magic: Brushing with beaten egg guarantees a glossy, golden-brown exterior that adds visual appeal and creates a crisp texture.
  • Timing is Key: Watch carefully during the 15-20 minute baking window to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the delicate pastry.
  • Prep Time: 20min
  • Cook Time: 20min
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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