There’s something instantly cozy and a little indulgent about Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels—warm, flaky puff pastry wrapped around sweet fig spread and tangy, creamy goat cheese. This seasonal appetizer is a celebration of fall and winter flavors when figs, honey, and soft cheeses feel especially comforting. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, bringing something to a potluck, or simply craving a baking project that yields beautiful results, these pinwheels are worth the few minutes of prep. If you love easy hors d’oeuvres that look elegant but are simple to make, try pairing them with a bright, savory bite like these quick pepper jelly cream cheese appetizers for a well-rounded spread.

Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 4 oz creamy goat cheese (logs or crumbles)
• 1/2 cup fig spread (preserves or fig jam work too)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish — thyme, rosemary or chopped basil work well)

Notes:

• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the goat cheese briefly with a fork or small blender.
• For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios over the goat cheese before rolling.

Equipment

• Rolling pin (optional; puff pastry often only needs a gentle roll)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for clean slices)
• Small bowl and fork (for egg wash)
• Cooling rack

Helpful tools: an oven thermometer helps ensure accurate baking temperature; a small offset spatula is handy for spreading fig spread evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Tip: Use an oven thermometer if your oven runs hot or cold. For convection ovens reduce temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) or watch closely—puff pastry browns faster.

1. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

• Tip: Work quickly so the butter in the pastry stays cold. If the pastry becomes sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes before continuing.

1. Spread the fig spread evenly over the puff pastry.

• Tip: Leave a small 1/4-inch border at the top edge to help seal the roll. If your fig spread is very stiff, warm it briefly (10–15 seconds) in the microwave to make it spreadable.

1. Crumble the goat cheese over the fig spread, and season with salt and pepper.

• Tip: Use a fork to break the goat cheese into small pieces so they distribute evenly. Taste a small piece to judge saltiness—goat cheese can be tangy and sometimes salty already.

1. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a log.

• Tip: Roll tightly but without squeezing out the filling. Rolling toward you can help maintain a neat spiral. If the log resists, chill it for 10 minutes to firm up the pastry.

1. Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels.

• Tip: For cleaner cuts, transfer the log to the refrigerator or freezer for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) or unflavored dental floss stretched under and over the log to slice without squashing.

1. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Tip: Leave around 1 inch between pinwheels to allow for expansion.

1. Beat the egg and brush it over the pinwheels for a golden finish.

• Tip: For a shinier finish mix 1 tbsp water or milk into the egg. For an egg-free option, brush with milk or a little melted butter.

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

• Tip: Start checking at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. If using a convection oven, bake 3–5 minutes less and watch carefully.

1. Let cool slightly, then serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

• Tip: These are best served warm so the cheese is soft and the pastry remains crisp. A drizzle of honey, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts adds a beautiful finish.

Variations and flavor suggestions:

• Fresh figs vs. fig spread: Thinly sliced fresh figs (when in season) add texture; use them in combination with a thinner fig jam to bind.
• Add prosciutto: Lay thin prosciutto slices over the fig spread for a savory, salty contrast.
• Nuts and herbs: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pistachios and thyme or rosemary with the goat cheese before rolling.
• Phyllo alternative: For a lighter crunch, use several stacked phyllo sheets brushed with butter; adjust baking time down (watch closely).
• Spicy-sweet: Drizzle hot honey after baking for a trendy sweet-heat note (try pairing with similar flavors from recipes like a rich bacon-cheddar gnocchi soup at a winter supper).

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing leftovers

• Refrigerator: Cool pinwheels completely and store in an airtight container lined with parchment for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Room temperature: If left out during a party, perishable items with cheese should not sit out more than 2 hours.

Freezing

• Unbaked: Assemble the log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, slice from partially frozen and brush with egg wash, then bake adding a few extra minutes.
• Baked: Cool completely, flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through and crisp.

Make-ahead strategies

• Assemble and refrigerate: Make the log and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. Bring to room temperature briefly if pastry feels too firm to slice cleanly.
• Pre-slice: Slice the pinwheels, place on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash only just before baking.

Portioning advice

• Appetizer service: Plan on 3–4 pinwheels per person for a party where other items are served.
• Larger gatherings: Double the recipe and bake multiple trays; use warming racks to keep trays warm without losing crispness.

How to Use / Serve This Dish

Serving ideas

• Appetizer platter: Arrange pinwheels on a wooden board with fresh grapes, pear slices, and a small bowl of honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling.
• Brunch or light lunch: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted vegetable soup; these pair beautifully with sweeter or heartier mains like baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries.
• Cocktail party: Serve warm on tiered trays, garnished with microgreens or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Creative variations

• Mini pies: Press pinwheels into mini muffin tins to create bite-sized cups that hold more filling and crisp up around the edges.
• Savory swap: Replace fig spread with caramelized onions and swap goat cheese for blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Dessert-style: Add a touch of vanilla to the fig spread and finish with powdered sugar for a sweeter small bite.

Pairings

• Wine: Light red wines (Pinot Noir) or a slightly sweet white (Riesling) complement the sweet-and-tangy pairing of fig and goat cheese.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a ginger-pear mocktail makes a refreshing counterpoint.
• Sides: A warm soup like creamy broccoli or roasted tomato is a comforting match — these pinwheels are a lovely contrast to richer casseroles such as a broccoli cheese casserole.

FAQ

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese? A: Yes. Cream cheese gives a milder, creamier base. For more tang, mix a small amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt into the cream cheese.

Q: How long will assembled pinwheels last in the fridge before baking? A: Assembled logs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If you need longer storage, freeze the log for up to a month and slice when partially frozen.

Q: My pinwheels spread out while baking. How can I prevent that? A: Make sure the pastry is cold when you bake. Chill the log for 15–20 minutes before slicing and use parchment paper with adequate spacing. Slightly thinner slices may spread more—keep them about 1 inch thick.

Q: Any tips for slicing without squashing the log? A: Chill the log briefly, use a very sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between cuts, or use dental floss by sliding it under the log and crossing it over to cut cleanly.

Conclusion

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a comforting, seasonal treat that balance sweet fig spread with tangy goat cheese inside a flaky puff pastry shell—perfect for cozy fall and winter gatherings. They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough for entertaining. If you’re inspired to try variations, find extra inspiration in related takes like Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels – Our Balanced Bowl, a slightly different spin in presentation; or experiment with textures and heat from recipes such as Hot Honey, Fig, & Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites – BRIGHT MOMENT CO.. For another approach, see this alternate pairing idea at Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels – The Schmidty Wife. Ready your puff pastry, gather a few simple ingredients, and enjoy the warm, flaky comfort of these pinwheels—then share photos and notes with friends or family so the seasonal joy keeps rolling.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Cozy and indulgent, these pinwheels feature warm, flaky puff pastry filled with sweet fig spread and tangy goat cheese, making them a perfect seasonal appetizer for gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Seasonal

Servings 12 pinwheels

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 4 oz creamy goat cheese (logs or crumbles)
• ½ cup fig spread (preserves or fig jam)
• 1 medium egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish — thyme, rosemary or chopped basil work well)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for clean slices)
• Small bowl and fork (for egg wash)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
• Spread the fig spread evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small 1/4-inch border at the top edge.
• Crumble the goat cheese over the fig spread, and season with salt and pepper.
• Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a log.
• Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels.
• Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Beat the egg and brush it over the pinwheels for a golden finish.

Baking

• Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly, then serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios over the goat cheese before rolling. These pinwheels are best served warm so the cheese is soft and the pastry remains crisp.

Keyword Easy Hors d'oeuvres, Entertaining Recipes, Fall recipes, Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels, Puff Pastry Appetizers