Let me share my favorite holiday party trick - these gorgeous Garlic Herb Christmas Pinwheel Rolls! I discovered this recipe when I wanted something special for our family Christmas dinner and now they're requested at every holiday gathering. They look so fancy with their beautiful spiral design but they're actually so simple to make. The way the butter and herbs swirl through that flaky pastry is just magical!
Why You Need These In Your Life
What makes these rolls so special is how they combine that amazing garlicky herb filling with buttery flaky layers. I love how versatile they are you can switch up the herbs based on what you have and they're perfect for everything from appetizers to dinner rolls. Plus they look absolutely stunning on a holiday table!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Good puff pastry keep it cold until you need it.
- Real butter nice and soft for spreading.
- Fresh herbs I love mixing parsley chives and mint.
- Fresh garlic minced up fine.
- A splash of good olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- One egg for that golden finish.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Start With The Base
- Get that pastry out on a floured surface but keep it cool!
- Mix Up The Filling
- Blend those herbs and garlic with butter it smells amazing!
- Roll With Care
- Make a tight spiral then pop it in the freezer briefly.
- Slice And Style
- Cut those beautiful pinwheels and arrange them just so.
- Golden Dreams
- Brush with egg wash and watch them puff up gorgeously.
Plan Ahead Tips
Here's a secret that makes holiday hosting easier: you can prep these way ahead! Roll them up freeze them and just slice and bake when you need them. They'll keep for months in the freezer making holiday prep a breeze. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time!
My Best Tips
The key to perfect pinwheels? Keep that pastry cold! Finely chop those herbs and garlic for the best flavor distribution and don't skip that freezing step before slicing it makes such a difference. That egg wash is your friend for that beautiful golden finish!
Perfect Pairings
We love serving these warm straight from the oven. Sometimes I'll whip up a quick garlic aioli for dipping or set them out with marinara sauce. They're amazing alongside holiday roasts or just on their own as appetizers!
Holiday Magic
These pinwheels just bring such joy to the holiday table! Between their festive spiral look and that amazing aroma of herbs and butter they really capture the spirit of Christmas. Plus watching everyone's faces light up when they take that first bite makes all the effort worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why freeze before slicing?
- Freezing the rolled pastry for 10 minutes firms it up, making it easier to get clean slices without crushing the roll.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- You can prepare the rolls up to the slicing stage and freeze them, then slice and bake when needed.
- → What herbs work best?
- Fresh parsley, chives, and mint are recommended, but you can also use other herbs like thyme or basil.
- → Why use egg wash?
- Egg wash helps achieve a golden brown, shiny finish on the pastry when baked.
- → How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
- Roll the pastry tightly and ensure the filling is evenly spread to the edges without overfilling.