Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that combines sweet fig preserves with creamy goat cheese and fragrant thyme. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties or a simple snack, featuring flaky puff pastry that bakes to golden perfection.

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 if frozen, then lay it out 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 evenly with brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves. Add crushed walnuts or pecans if using.
- Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, 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 and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg to give them a golden finish, then bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans over the goat cheese before rolling the pastry.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or basil for a different herbal flavor.
- Use store-bought fig preserves to save time or make your own homemade fig jam for a personal touch.
Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze the rolled pastry log for up to a week before slicing and baking. Just thaw in the fridge before slicing.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or feta work well as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Print
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully flaky Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine the sweetness of fig preserves with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, enhanced by fresh thyme and a hint of brown sugar. Wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Pinwheels 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
- Prep Your Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry thaw completely if frozen, then lay it out on parchment paper on a flat surface for easy handling and spreading.
- Spread the Fig Preserves: Evenly spread the fig preserves over the surface of the pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolled.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Crumble goat cheese evenly over the fig layer, then sprinkle light brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves on top for balanced sweetness and herbal aroma.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape. Wrap it in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up the dough, making slicing easier and cleaner.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch rounds. Arrange these pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each slice with the beaten egg wash to enhance browning and shine. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
- Chilling the rolled pastry log is crucial for neat slices and preventing the pinwheels from spreading too much during baking.
- You can customize these pinwheels by adding crushed walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before working to avoid tearing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, easy party appetizers, fig and goat cheese recipe

