Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy appetizer – Ready in under an hour, thanks to store-bought puff pastry.
Simple ingredients – Only six pantry-friendly ingredients needed.
Perfect for entertaining – Looks gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Crowd-pleasing flavors – Sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and thyme work beautifully together.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pastry:

1 thawed puff pastry sheet (13.2 oz, Jus-Rol brand preferred)
1 large egg (for wash)

For the filling and topping:

1/2 cup fig jam or preserves
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
4 to 5 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tbsp light brown sugar

Directions

Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto parchment paper. Spread fig jam evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
Add the Filling
Sprinkle goat cheese, brown sugar, and thyme leaves evenly over the jam.
Roll and Chill the Pastry Log
Roll up the pastry tightly into a log. Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice and Arrange Pinwheels
Slice the chilled log into 1/2-inch pieces and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg and brush over the tops. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and flaky.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra brown sugar and thyme leaves. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Preparation time: 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 35–50 minutes
Servings: 12–14 pinwheels
Difficulty: Easy

Variations

Swap fig preserves for apricot, peach, or strawberry jam.
Use cream cheese, ricotta, or feta instead of goat cheese.
Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
Replace brown sugar with honey for a lighter sweetness.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a day before baking and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze unbaked pinwheels?

Yes, freeze the sliced pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely. Store-bought saves time, but homemade will give an extra buttery flavor.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Cream cheese, ricotta, or feta all make great alternatives.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme in place of fresh.

Do I have to chill the pastry before slicing?

Yes, chilling makes it much easier to slice cleanly without squishing the filling.

Can I serve these cold?

They taste best warm, but they can also be served at room temperature.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Don’t overspread the jam, and avoid baking them too far in advance.

What’s the best knife to use for slicing?

A sharp serrated knife works best for cutting clean slices without crushing the pastry.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free puff pastry, which is available at many grocery stores.

Conclusion

These fig and goat cheese pinwheels are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry shell. Elegant enough for a holiday spread yet simple enough for a weekend snack, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for entertaining. Make a batch ahead of time, bake just before serving, and watch them disappear in minutes.

Simple Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

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Flaky puff pastry filled with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and fresh thyme, baked into elegant golden pinwheels. A quick and impressive appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 12–14 pinwheels
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet (13.2 oz, thawed; Jus-Rol brand preferred)

1 large egg (for egg wash)

1/2 cup fig jam or preserves

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

4–5 fresh thyme sprigs (leaves removed)

2 tbsp light brown sugar

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Instructions

Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto parchment paper. Spread fig jam evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle goat cheese, brown sugar, and thyme leaves evenly over the jam.
Roll up the pastry tightly into a log. Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the chilled log into 1/2-inch pieces and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Beat the egg and brush over the tops of the pinwheels.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
Garnish with extra thyme leaves and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Serve warm.