Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe

Picture this: it’s a cozy afternoon, and I’m suddenly struck by the irresistible urge to bake something that’s both festive and out-of-this-world delicious. Enter the cranberry and cream cheese puff pastry wreath—a delectable fusion of flaky, creamy, and tangy delight that’ll have everyone convinced I’ve transformed into a baking guru.

Transform your festive table with my delightful Christmas Wreath Pastry. I love the buttery puff pastry paired with the creamy blend of softened cream cheese and subtly sweet powdered sugar.

Cranberry sauce adds a seasonal touch, while sliced almonds provide a satisfying crunch. Garnish with rosemary sprigs for an aromatic finish.

Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess with a balance of fat and protein.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance tart flavors.
• Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet and tangy kick with antioxidants.
• Puff Pastry: Light and flaky, high in carbohydrates.
• Egg: Creates a golden, glossy finish and adds protein.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds crunch, healthy fats, and a hint of nutty flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary: Fragrant garnish providing an herbal aroma.

Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for sprinkling)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make this Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry.

4. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Gently roll the pastry into a log starting from one long side. Once rolled, form the log into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.

6. Transfer the shaped wreath onto the prepared baking sheet. Make slits evenly around the circle about 1 inch apart but not cutting all the way through. Gently twist each segment slightly to expose the filling.

7. Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden finish while baking.

8. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the pastry and optionally, sprinkle the granulated sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

10. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or spatula
8. Rolling pin
9. Knife
10. Pastry brush

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
  You can substitute cranberry sauce with a homemade cranberry filling using frozen cranberries, sugar, and a bit of orange zest for extra flavor.
• How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
  Ensure the cranberry sauce is not too liquid. You can also lightly dust the pastry with flour before spreading the filling.
• Can this recipe be made in advance?
  Yes, prepare the pastry up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• What can I use instead of cream cheese?
  Mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese can be used as an alternative if you prefer different flavors.
• Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
  The egg wash gives the pastry a golden color and helps the almonds adhere, but you can omit it for an egg-free version. Use milk as a substitute wash if necessary.
• Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
  Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly fine and saves time.
• Do I need fresh rosemary for garnish?
  No, it’s optional. The rosemary adds a festive touch and aroma but can be omitted if preferred.

Christmas Wreath Pastry Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• 1/2 cup cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar can be replaced with an equal amount of granulated sugar blended to a fine consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract or a few drops of vanilla essence.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce can be swapped with raspberry jam or a homemade berry compote.
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds can be replaced with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Before Baking After shaping the wreath and making the slits, chill the assembled pastry in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, resulting in a flakier texture when baked.

2. Consistency of Cranberry Sauce If your cranberry sauce is too runny or has excess liquid, strain it slightly or cook it down briefly to thicken. This will prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

3. Preventing Sticking Ensure your parchment paper is lightly floured or sprayed with a bit of non-stick spray to prevent the puff pastry from sticking, especially from the sugary fillings.

4. Almond Toasting Tip For extra aromatic flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before sprinkling them onto the pastry. This will enhance their nuttiness and add depth to the taste.

5. Creative Garnishing In addition to rosemary, you can add dried cranberries or a light drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and a little milk for extra decoration and sweetness.