Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws

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These Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy wrapped in light, golden puff pastry. The tangy cranberry pairs beautifully with bright citrus zest and smooth cream cheese, creating an irresistible treat for brunches, holiday gatherings, or cozy afternoon snacks. Elegant yet effortless, these pastry straws will make any table look festive and inviting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth it. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
  3. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the straws: Spoon a small amount of filling at one end of each pastry strip, then fold over and seal the edges with a fork to form a filled pocket.
  5. Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
  6. Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
  7. Cool and serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Variation:

  1. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled pastry straws. The sweetness of chocolate complements the tangy cranberry perfectly.
  2. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for an added crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
  3. Citrus Boost: For an extra burst of freshness, add a few drops of orange extract or replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a tangier version.
  4. Savory Spin: Try swapping cranberry sauce for a spoonful of fig jam and omitting the sugar for a slightly savory pastry that pairs well with cheese boards.

Cooking Notes:

  1. Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold this ensures it bakes up light and flaky.
  2. Don’t overfill the pastry strips; a little filling goes a long way and prevents leaking while baking.
  3. For extra crispness, bake the straws on the middle rack and allow them to cool on a wire rack immediately after baking.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Holiday Treat: Serve on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with orange peel curls for a festive touch.
  2. Breakfast Delight: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a bright, tangy start to your morning.
  3. Dessert Bar Favorite: Offer alongside a variety of pastries, chocolate truffles, or shortbread for a charming dessert spread at parties or brunches.

Tips:

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly with the cranberry sauce. Cold cream cheese can make the filling lumpy.
  2. Perfect Seal: Press the pastry edges firmly with a fork to keep the filling contained while baking.
  3. Egg Wash Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash it gives your pastry that bakery-style golden color and crisp finish.
  4. Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
    Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds extra flavor and texture, especially if it’s made with orange zest or cinnamon.
  2. Can these be made ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare and fill the pastry strips ahead, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and bake fresh when ready to serve.
  3. Can I freeze the pastry straws?
    Definitely! Once baked and cooled, freeze them in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.
  4. Can I use store-bought flavored cream cheese?
    Yes flavored cream cheeses like honey or vanilla can add a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.

Conclusion:

These Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are a delightful fusion of buttery puff pastry, creamy filling, and vibrant citrus notes. Whether served at brunch, as a holiday appetizer, or with an afternoon cup of tea, they’re sure to impress with their flaky texture and bright, tangy-sweet flavor. Simple to make and irresistibly elegant the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any occasion.

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Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pastry straws 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy wrapped in light, golden puff pastry. The tangy cranberry pairs beautifully with bright citrus zest and smooth cream cheese, creating an irresistible treat for brunches, holiday gatherings, or cozy afternoon snacks. Elegant yet effortless, these pastry straws will make any table look festive and inviting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth it. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
  3. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the straws: Spoon a small amount of filling at one end of each pastry strip, then fold over and seal the edges with a fork to form a filled pocket.
  5. Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
  6. Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
  7. Cool and serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  1. Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold this ensures it bakes up light and flaky.
  2. Don’t overfill the pastry strips; a little filling goes a long way and prevents leaking while baking.
  3. For extra crispness, bake the straws on the middle rack and allow them to cool on a wire rack immediately after baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast Treat
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry straw
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: cranberry pastry, orange cream cheese, puff pastry dessert, holiday pastry, cranberry orange recipe

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