Introduction

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and flaky textures. These bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers or snacks, bringing elegant flavors together in a simple, quick bake.

A close-up view of multiple golden brown puff pastry pinwheels placed closely together on a white plate, each pinwheel showcasing flaky, crispy layers spiraled tightly with a filling of caramelized onions that are dark brown and glistening, along with dollops of creamy white cheese visible in between some of the layers. Each pinwheel is topped with small sprigs of fresh green thyme adding a pop of color, and the texture of the flaky pastry contrasts with the soft, sticky filling. The background shows a white marbled surface softly blurred to keep focus on the pinwheels. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Let the puff pastry thaw completely and place it on parchment paper on a flat surface.
Step 2: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
Step 3: Crumble the goat cheese over the fig layer, then sprinkle the brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves evenly on top.
Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and freeze for 20 minutes to make slicing easier.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled log into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
Step 6: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each slice with the beaten egg wash.
Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans on top before rolling the pastry.
Use fresh thyme leaves only, removing stems, for a subtle herbal aroma that complements the sweetness.
Make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and to help maintain its shape.
Swap fig preserves with apricot or raspberry jam for a different fruity twist.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These pinwheels can also be frozen before baking; slice and freeze on a tray, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

This image shows several golden-brown, spiral-shaped pastries arranged closely on a white plate with subtle texture. Each pastry has multiple visible layers of flaky, crispy dough, with a rich, glossy filling that looks dark brown and sticky, likely a sweet or savory jam or sauce. Inside the spirals, there are small white dollops that appear creamy and slightly melted, topped with fresh green herb sprigs, adding a bright contrast to the warm colors. The pastries have a shiny, slightly rough surface with tiny bubbles and crunch spots from baking. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture that softly reflects the light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry instead of refrigerated?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before using to ensure easy rolling and even baking.

Do I have to add the egg wash?

While optional, the egg wash helps the pinwheels develop a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish, enhancing their appearance.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 81 reviews

Delightful Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine the sweetness of fig preserves with creamy goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a hint of brown sugar, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a savory-sweet appetizer or snack, these pinwheels bake to golden perfection and offer a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12–14 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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
4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans to sprinkle

Finishing

1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prep Your Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed if previously frozen. Lay it out on a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface to prepare for assembly.
Spread the Fig Preserves: Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread the fig preserves over the surface of the pastry, leaving a ½ inch border around all edges to prevent leakage during baking.
Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig layer. Then, distribute the light brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves across the top. Optionally, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Roll and Chill: Starting at one edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Wrap this log in parchment paper and place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, which facilitates easier slicing later.
Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the pastry log from the freezer and carefully slice into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place these rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash to encourage browning. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

Notes

Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed before starting to avoid tearing.
Chilling the rolled pastry log before slicing prevents squishing and helps maintain shape.
Optional nuts add texture but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
These pinwheels are best served warm and fresh out of the oven.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven to regain crispiness.

Keywords: Fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizer, puff pastry snack, sweet and savory appetizer, party finger foods