Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese

These cranberry orange cream cheese pastry straws combine flaky puff pastry with a lively filling of tangy cranberry sauce, zesty orange, and smooth cream cheese. They offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make them ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you want a festive treat.

I first made this recipe for a Christmas brunch, and the combination of tart cranberries with citrus instantly became a crowd favorite. Now it’s one of the most requested dishes every season.

Ingredients

• One sheet of puff pastry: provides the light and flaky base choose all-butter puff pastry for richer flavor
• Four ounces of softened cream cheese: creates a creamy and smooth filling that balances tartness
• Half a cup of cranberry sauce: offers natural sweetness and tang fresh or canned will work, but homemade cranberry sauce adds charm
• One tablespoon of orange zest: adds bright citrus aroma and flavor use organic oranges for the best zest without bitterness
• One tablespoon of sugar: enhances the sweetness of the filling subtly
• One beaten egg: makes a beautiful golden glaze when brushed on top
• Powdered sugar: perfect dusting for a pretty finish and extra sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius to ensure it is hot and ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry until it is smooth and slightly thinner. Cut the dough into strips about one inch wide and six inches long to create the straws. This size works well for holding the filling securely while baking.

Mix the Filling:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are smooth and evenly incorporated, making sure no lumps remain.

Assemble the Pastry Straws:

Spoon a small amount of the creamy filling onto one end of each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges together firmly using a fork to seal well, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.

Brush with Egg Wash:

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of the assembled pastry straws with the beaten egg. This step is important for achieving a shiny, golden brown finish after baking.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the filled straws on the prepared baking sheet and put them in the oven. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the pastries have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden color.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pastry straws to cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, dust them generously with powdered sugar to add a festive look and extra sweetness.

Save

My favorite ingredient has to be the orange zest. It elevates the entire pastry with a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese and the tartness of the cranberry. Once, I brought these to a family gathering, and my grandmother immediately asked for the recipe because she loved that perfect citrus touch.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let the pastry straws cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a low oven to restore crispiness without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave if possible as it tends to make the puff pastry soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you do not have puff pastry on hand, frozen phyllo dough can be a lighter alternative though it will require multiple layers brushed with butter for flakiness
• For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream cheese which works well with the tart cranberry sauce
• If fresh orange zest is unavailable, a small amount of high-quality orange extract can be used carefully to avoid overpowering the filling

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these pastry straws alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack
• They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a balanced dessert course
• For holiday brunch, consider arranging them on a platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive centerpiece

Cultural Context

Pastry straws filled with sweetened cream cheese mixtures are popular in American holiday baking, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas when cranberries are in season

The combination of orange and cranberry is classic in North American holiday dishes, symbolizing warmth and the bright flavors of winter fruits

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional holiday pastries, offering ease without sacrificing the nostalgic feeling of seasonal treats

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pastry is best for these straws?

Puff pastry works best as it creates a flaky, buttery texture that holds the creamy filling well during baking.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the cream cheese, cranberry, and orange zest filling can be mixed a few hours in advance and kept chilled until assembly.

→ How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure the filling is not too wet and seal the edges tightly before baking. Using an egg wash adds a protective glossy finish.

→ What temperature and time are ideal for baking?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

→ Can the straws be stored for later?

Store cooled straws in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and reheat gently before serving.

→ Is there a way to make these dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, but this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.