Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the kind of snack that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fancy wine bar—without ever leaving your kitchen. Picture this: flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and a hint of thyme. These bite-sized delights are sophisticated enough for a holiday party yet simple enough to whip up on a random Tuesday.
Whether you’re hosting friends, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something elegant with your coffee (no judgment), this Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels recipe checks all the boxes. And yes, they look as good as they taste—like tiny edible swirls of happiness.
Table of Contents
What is Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels?
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are flaky pastry spirals filled with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam, often kissed with honey and fresh herbs. They’re baked until golden and crisp, creating a balance of textures—crunchy outside, soft and tangy inside. Think of them as a gourmet upgrade to the classic crescent roll appetizer, only far more delicious and photogenic.
These pinwheels aren’t just for parties; they make an excellent snack for cozy evenings or an impressive brunch addition. The combo of figs and goat cheese gives a delightful sweet-salty contrast that feels both rustic and refined.
Reasons to Try Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
If “fancy made easy” is your love language, these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels were made for you. They’re ridiculously easy to make—seriously, no complicated prep or rare ingredients—and they deliver that wow factor every host dreams of. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of figs, while the thyme adds a fragrant, earthy finish.
They bake up in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute guests or busy weeknights. Plus, they’re versatile: serve them warm as appetizers, pack them for picnics, or pair with a fall salad like this Fall Harvest Salad for a full, seasonal meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- ½ cup (120g) soft goat cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup fig jam or fig preserves (or 8–10 fresh or dried figs, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Garnishes: Extra thyme leaves, drizzle of honey, cracked black pepper
Instructions to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
Alright, friend—let’s roll up our sleeves (literally) and make these buttery, sweet, and tangy Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels together. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every delicious detail, from prepping the puff pastry to that final golden bake. By the end, your kitchen will smell like a cozy French café, and your taste buds will thank you.
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start this step-by-step process by getting your puff pastry just right. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes—just until it’s flexible but still cool to the touch. (Too warm, and it’ll stick like crazy!)
Lightly dust your counter or a large cutting board with flour, then roll out the pastry gently. You’re not trying to make it thinner—just smoothing out those factory creases. Aim for a rectangle around 10×12 inches. Think of it as your blank canvas for flavor. If you’ve ever worked with dough before, you’ll know that keeping it cool is key; it’s what gives those irresistible, flaky layers.
Pro Tip: Want to learn how to handle puff pastry like a pro? Check out my guide on buttery dough techniques in recipes like Easy Homemade Pupusas—the same logic of soft yet structured dough applies here too!
Step 2: Add the Filling
Now for the fun part—layering those dreamy flavors. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread an even layer of goat cheese across the pastry, leaving about half an inch of border all the way around. This border acts as a seal when you roll it up later, keeping all that goodness inside.
Next, spoon on your fig jam (or arrange sliced fresh or dried figs if you’re going that route). Spread it out evenly, but don’t go overboard—too much jam can make your pinwheels soggy. Drizzle honey lightly across the top for extra sweetness if you’d like. Then sprinkle on your thyme leaves. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some chopped walnuts or pecans for that lovely nutty crunch.
Quick Note: If you run out of fig jam or prefer a slightly different twist, apricot preserves or even caramelized onions make fantastic substitutes. I cover swaps like these in recipes such as Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls, which has similar textures and flavors!
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pastry
This step-by-step portion requires a little patience and a gentle touch. Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, just like you would a cinnamon roll. The tighter you roll, the more defined those beautiful spirals will look after baking.
Once rolled, grab a sharp knife (a serrated one works great here) and slice the log into 20 even pieces. You can mark light cuts first to space them evenly—about half an inch thick each. Each slice will look like a tiny spiral of creamy cheese and jam—a good sign you’re on track!
Place your slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each since they’ll puff up during baking.
Pro Tip: If you’re prepping ahead for a party, this is the perfect moment to freeze your pinwheels before baking. That way, you can just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer later—no fuss, no mess.
Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels
This is where the magic happens. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, brush each pinwheel lightly with your beaten egg wash. This gives them that irresistible golden, glossy finish you see in bakery windows.
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting around the 15-minute mark—the perfect moment is when they’re puffed, crisp, and gloriously golden. The smell alone will make your family wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s baking?”
For even baking, you can rotate your tray halfway through. (A small effort that pays off big time.)
Quick Link: Want to pair these with something cozy? They go beautifully with my Easy Hamburger Potato Soup or Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Soup for a simple yet elegant lunch combo.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels cool for about 5 minutes—trust me, molten goat cheese is no joke! When they’ve cooled just enough to handle, drizzle a little more honey on top if you want extra sweetness. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or a dash of cracked black pepper for that perfect finishing touch.
Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture—crispy edges, creamy centers, and just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday appetizer, an afternoon snack, or part of a brunch spread, these pinwheels are guaranteed to impress.
If you’re building a full party menu, pair these pinwheels with something colorful and seasonal like my Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash or the festive Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake for a complete, crowd-pleasing table.
What to Serve with Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
These pinwheels play well with both sweet and savory companions. Pair them with a light soup like Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans for a hearty meal or alongside a crisp glass of white wine. They also shine on cheese boards with prosciutto, brie, and candied nuts. For brunch, serve with fresh fruit and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—it’s restaurant-quality in your own kitchen.
Key Tips for Making Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
- Keep the puff pastry cold; warm dough turns sticky and loses its rise.
- Use room-temperature goat cheese—it spreads easily without tearing the pastry.
- Don’t overload with jam; too much moisture can prevent crisping.
- Want a deeper flavor? Swap thyme for rosemary or add a pinch of cracked sea salt before baking.
- For a vegan twist, try dairy-free cheese and skip the egg wash.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore their crispiness—microwaving makes them soggy. You can also freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 2 months; just slice, freeze on a tray, and bake straight from frozen when needed. These make-ahead wonders are a lifesaver for holidays or unexpected guests.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese? Absolutely! Try cream cheese or brie for a milder flavor.
What can I use instead of figs? Apricot or pear preserves work beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the rolled log and slice before baking for the freshest texture.
Final Thoughts
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels prove that elegant doesn’t have to mean complicated. With their flaky texture, creamy tang, and touch of sweetness, they bring a taste of luxury to everyday life. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or treating yourself after a long day, these golden bites are worth every minute in the oven. For more cozy, comforting recipes, check out our Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings or Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a sweet, savory, and elegant appetizer made with puff pastry, tangy goat cheese, fig jam, and herbs—perfect for holidays, parties, or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup (120g) soft goat cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup fig jam or fig preserves (or 8–10 fresh or dried figs, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Extra fresh thyme leaves
- Drizzle of honey
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature until pliable but still cool.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 10×12 inches, smoothing out creases.
3. Spread the goat cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Spread fig jam over the goat cheese or layer thinly sliced figs evenly across.
5. Drizzle with honey if using, and sprinkle thyme leaves and chopped nuts if desired.
6. Starting from a long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log, keeping the layers compact.
7. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into approximately 20 evenly sized pinwheels.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Arrange the pinwheels on the sheet and brush each with beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
11. Let pinwheels cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
12. Garnish with extra thyme, a drizzle of honey, or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
These pinwheels can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
For a stronger herbal note, try adding rosemary or sage.
Swap figs for dates or caramelized onions for a variation.
Serve warm or at room temperature for best texture.
