Herb and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sheet (320g) ready-rolled puff pastry</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife or pizza cutter</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before you begin working with it. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Allowing the pastry to slightly soften makes it easier to roll without cracking, while keeping it cool enough to maintain its layers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, chopped chives, parsley, thyme leaves, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The cream cheese should be properly softened (but not melted) to create a spreadable consistency that won't tear the pastry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface, keeping it on its original parchment if possible. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a 1cm border along one of the long edges. This clean edge will help seal the roll.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Starting from the long edge opposite to the clean border, carefully and tightly roll the pastry into a log, finishing with the clean edge at the bottom to seal the roll. If the pastry has become too soft and difficult to handle, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. A tight roll ensures even pinwheels without gaps.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Using a sharp knife (or for cleaner cuts, a piece of unflavored dental floss), slice the log into approximately 2cm thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking tray, leaving about 3cm between each to allow for expansion. Slightly flatten each pinwheel with your palm to ensure even baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with beaten egg, which will give them a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. The egg wash creates a protective barrier that helps the pastry achieve that professional bakery shine and color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pinwheels are risen and golden brown, with the cheese bubbling. If they're browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil halfway through baking. The pastry needs sufficient time to cook through all the layers, ensuring they're not doughy in the center.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the pinwheels easier to handle. Serve warm or at room temperature. For the best texture contrast – crisp exterior and tender interior – enjoy them within a few hours of baking.</li></ol>