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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

5 from 89 reviews

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are an elegant and delicious appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry rolled with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a touch of brown sugar. These bite-sized pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings, wine nights, or upscale snack options, offering a superb balance of sweet and savory flavors with a golden, crispy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

  • ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 45 sprigs fresh thyme

For Finishing

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Allow the puff pastry to thaw completely if frozen. Unfold it and place it on parchment paper laid on a flat surface, ready for filling.
  2. Spread the Fig Preserves: Evenly spread the fig preserves over the entire surface of the pastry, taking care to leave about a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow.
  3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig preserves. Next, evenly distribute the brown sugar and strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs, sprinkling them across the cheese layer.
  4. Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape starting from one edge. Wrap the rolled log tightly in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up, which will make slicing easier and neater.
  5. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a very sharp knife, slice the chilled log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place these pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow even heat circulation. Brush each pinwheel top with beaten egg wash to enhance browning and seal edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use cold puff pastry for best handling and a flaky texture.
  • Freeze the rolled log before slicing to prevent squashing and maintain swirl shape.
  • Use a sharp knife, cleaning it between cuts, to get clean slices.
  • Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid sogginess and spilling filling.
  • Apply egg wash generously to achieve a golden, appetizing crust.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
  • Garnish pinwheels after baking with fresh thyme, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added presentation and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; keep at room temperature up to 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes for best crispness; avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry.

Keywords: Fig Pinwheels, Goat Cheese Appetizer, Puff Pastry Snacks, Holiday Appetizer, Sweet and Savory Bites