Introduction

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that combines the sweetness of fig preserves with creamy goat cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or a special snack, these bite-sized treats are simple to make and irresistibly tasty.

A woman's hand is holding a small, round pastry with about eight golden brown, crispy layers of puff pastry spiraled around a center filled with a glossy, dark brown fig and sticky honey glaze, topped with small fresh green herb leaves. The pastry surface is shiny and textured with some caramelized spots. In the background, more of these pastries are stacked on a white floral patterned plate, sitting on a white marbled surface along with a cut fig. 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 if frozen. Place it on parchment paper on a flat surface to prepare for spreading.
Step 2: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow.
Step 3: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the fig layer, then evenly distribute the brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves on top. Add crushed walnuts or pecans if using.
Step 4: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape. Wrap it in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled log into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush each with beaten egg wash, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch and flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans before rolling the pastry.
If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used sparingly, or try substituting with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
Make sure to chill the rolled pastry before slicing to help maintain neat pinwheel shapes during baking.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels do not freeze well after baking, so freeze only before baking if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval plate with a delicate floral pattern holding seven golden-brown phyllo dough rolls, orange in color with caramelized edges and textured with flaky layers, filled with a dark, glossy fig jam and topped with small green herb leaves and crushed nuts. To the right on a white marbled surface, there is a white bowl filled with chopped pecans and a white plate with green floral design holding halved fresh figs with deep purple skins and light pink flesh near a white block of cheese. Whole garlic bulbs and loose herb leaves are scattered nearby, adding a rustic touch. The whole scene is brightly lit, creating a fresh and inviting look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes, but goat cheese provides a distinctive tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet figs.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Leaving a border around the edges when spreading fig preserves and chilling the rolled pastry before slicing helps keep the pinwheels crisp. Also, avoid over-spreading wet ingredients.