There’s something magical about the way buttery puff pastry puffs up into golden layers.
Add in sweet fig preserves, creamy goat cheese, and earthy thyme, and you’ve got a snack that feels straight out of a French café.
I made these once for a wine night, and they disappeared before the second glass was poured!
Why I Love This Recipe
Flaky and flavorful – Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Elegant yet easy – Minimal effort, maximum wow factor.
Perfect for entertaining – A crowd-pleaser on any appetizer spread.
Prep ahead friendly – Chill and slice later for party-day ease.
Customizable – Change the fillings to suit any season or palate.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Puff pastry sheet – Thawed, for easy rolling and golden flakiness.
Fig preserves – Sweet and sticky, the perfect contrast to the cheese.
Goat cheese – Crumbled, creamy, and tangy.
Fresh thyme – Adds herbaceous depth.
Brown sugar – Brings warmth and a caramelized top.
Egg – For that glossy golden finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill before slicing – Firm pastry cuts cleaner, keeping pinwheels intact.
Use a sharp knife – Dull blades will crush the layers.
Don’t overload – Too much filling makes them hard to roll and leaks out.
Wipe the knife – Clean cuts = prettier pastries.
Serve warm – Flaky, buttery layers taste best fresh from the oven.
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep the Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a sheet of parchment paper.
Spread fig preserves evenly across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
Step 2: Add Fillings
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the preserves.
Add brown sugar and thyme, distributing gently and evenly.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Roll the pastry tightly into a log, using the parchment to help guide it.
Wrap it in the same parchment and freeze for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
While chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 5: Slice the Pinwheels
Once chilled, unwrap the roll and slice into ½-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
Clean the blade between cuts for neat edges.
Step 6: Arrange and Egg Wash
Place slices on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spacing slightly.
Beat the egg and lightly brush the tops.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15–20 minutes until the pastries are golden, puffed, and crisp.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra thyme and brown sugar, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the melty, flaky bliss!
What to Serve It With
A glass of white wine or sparkling rosé
A charcuterie board with prosciutto and olives
Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted grapes or a balsamic reduction
Honey-drizzled walnuts on the side
Variations / Substitutions
Use brie or blue cheese instead of goat for a different tang.
Try fig jam with rosemary for deeper flavor.
Add prosciutto slices for a meaty, salty twist.
Use store-bought onion jam for a savory variation.
Swap thyme for sage or rosemary depending on season.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Pop in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp up.
Freeze – Freeze the unbaked log, then slice and bake straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
Make-ahead tip – Prep, roll, and chill the log a day in advance.
FAQs
Can I use another type of jam instead of fig?
Absolutely. Apricot, peach, or raspberry jam all work beautifully.
What’s the best goat cheese to use?
A soft, mild goat cheese log works best—avoid overly crumbly or aged varieties.
Do I have to freeze the roll before slicing?
Yes, chilling makes slicing cleaner and helps the pastries keep their shape.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based puff pastry and a vegan cheese spread alternative.
Can I bake them ahead and reheat?
Yes, but they’re crispiest when served fresh. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I use store-brand puff pastry?
Yes, just make sure it’s all-butter if possible for best flavor.
Are these good at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but still tasty once cooled—perfect for parties!
Final Thoughts
These Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the kind of snack that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, the combo of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet jam always feels like a little luxury.
You’ll want to make these on repeat—trust me.
Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 thawed sheet puff pastry 13.2 oz
- ½ cup fig preserves
- 4 oz log goat cheese crumbled
- 4 –5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 large egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Unroll puff pastry on parchment. Spread fig preserves, leaving 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle goat cheese, brown sugar, and thyme over the top.
- Roll into a log, wrap with parchment, and freeze 20 mins.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice into ½-inch pinwheels. Place on baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/fig-and-goat-cheese-puff-pastry-pinwheels/
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolled pastry and freeze it ahead of time. Just slice and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a few crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the filling for an extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free goat cheese or a plant-based cheese substitute if needed.
