Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 8 oz), thawed
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 6–8 dried figs, finely chopped (substitute with fresh figs if in season)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can try using crescent roll dough for a softer, fluffier texture. For a dairy-free option, swap goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese, though the flavor will be different but still delightful.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I always find that lining the tray keeps cleanup easy—something every busy mom appreciates!
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 12×12-inch square. Don’t overwork the dough; you want it to stay light and flaky.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped figs, honey, fresh thyme, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. I like to taste this mixture—it’s where all the magic happens! Adjust seasoning as you go.
- Spread the goat cheese and fig mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape. Use your fingers to gently pinch the seam so it stays closed.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ¾-inch thick pinwheels. I find a serrated knife works best to avoid squishing the dough.
- Place the pinwheels cut side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. If you want to add a little extra sparkle, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves on top.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crisp and the tops have that beautiful golden hue.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Trust me, as tempting as it is to dive right in, letting them rest just a bit makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International