A crisp, golden swirl of buttery puff pastry wrapped around spiced mincemeat makes these pinwheels a cozy, showy treat. They smell warm and fruity as they bake, with a flaky, buttery texture and a sweet-spiced bite. These little pastries work as a quick dessert, tea-time snack, or holiday platter favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 12 pinwheels
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Why Make This Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
These pinwheels combine ready-made puff pastry and rich mincemeat for a fast, festive treat. They bake quickly and look elegant on a plate. The pastry turns flaky and golden, while the mincemeat stays soft and fruity. They fill the kitchen with warm spices and caramelized fruit aroma. Use them when you want an impressive bake with minimal work.
How to Make Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
The method is simple: roll, spread, roll again, slice, and bake. Use a light touch when rolling and slicing so the layers stay flaky. Chill the log briefly if the filling gets soft. Brush with egg for a deep golden shine and dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup mincemeat filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet.
Step 2: Mixing
Spread a thin, even layer of mincemeat filling over the pastry, leaving a small border at the far edge. Roll the pastry tightly into a log, starting from the near side. Press the seam to seal.
Step 3: Cooking
Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels. Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly on a rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet, festive finish.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair well with hot tea, coffee, or a glass of mulled cider. For a dessert plate, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arrange on a platter for parties or place individually on napkins for easy serving.
How to Store Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to keep pastry crisp.
- In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to revive crispness.
- In the freezer: Freeze baked pinwheels on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
- Thaw pastry in the fridge, not on the counter, to keep it firm and easy to handle.
- Use a thin layer of mincemeat to avoid soggy pastry. Less is better than too much.
- Chill the rolled log for 10 minutes if the filling makes it soft; firmer dough slices cleaner.
- Slice with a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to avoid squashing layers.
- Brush edges and tops with egg wash for a glossy, deep golden color.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway for even browning.
Delicious Variations
- Apple-Cinnamon: Swap mincemeat for apple pie filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Chocolate-Hazelnut: Spread Nutella and add chopped hazelnuts before rolling.
- Savory Twist: Use pesto and shredded cheese instead of mincemeat for a savory pinwheel.
- Nuts & Citrus: Mix chopped toasted pecans and orange zest into the mincemeat for crunch and brightness.
- Miniaturize: Slice thinner for bite-sized appetizers at parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A: Yes. Homemade pastry works great. Keep it cold and roll gently to maintain layers.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble the log and slice it, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze slices raw and bake from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Use a thin layer of filling and preheat the oven fully. Bake on a light-colored baking sheet or parchment and allow cooling on a rack to keep air flowing underneath.
Q: Can I make them egg-free?
A: Skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk (almond or oat) brushed on top. The color may be slightly less shiny but still tasty.
Q: How long do baked pinwheels stay flaky after baking?
A: They are best the same day. Stored properly and reheated briefly in the oven, they regain much of their crispness within a day or two.
Q: Can I use other fillings besides mincemeat?
A: Absolutely. Try jam, fruit compote, chocolate spread, or savory fillings like cheese and ham.
Q: What size should I slice for serving?
A: Slice about 1 inch thick for individual servings. For party bites, slice thinner (1/2 inch) to yield more pieces.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels are quick, festive, and full of warm spice and flake. They make a lovely treat for gatherings or a cozy snack at home. For another simple take and ideas to adapt the recipe, see Mincemeat Pinwheels – Easy Puff Pastry Recipe. Give them a try — they’re fast to make and delightful to eat.
Print
Puff Pastry Mincemeat Pinwheels
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These pinwheels feature buttery puff pastry wrapped around spiced mincemeat, making for a cozy and showy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup mincemeat filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the puff pastry.
- Spread a thin, even layer of mincemeat filling over the pastry, leaving a small border at the far edge. Roll the pastry tightly into a log and press the seam to seal.
- Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly on a rack and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature with hot tea, coffee, or mulled cider. For dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
