Step-by-Step: How to Make Them
1. Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your surface and gently roll out the puff pastry just enough to smooth the seams.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix:
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Softened cream cheese
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Sugar
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Vanilla
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Orange zest
Blend until smooth and creamy. The orange zest is key — it wakes everything up and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
3. Layer the Flavors
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over half of the puff pastry sheet.
Then spoon small amounts of cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Don’t overdo it — you want streaks of cranberry, not a flood.
Fold the plain half of the pastry over the filled half like closing a book. Press gently to seal.
4. Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.
Take each strip and gently twist it a few times. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
This twist is what gives you those gorgeous layered edges once baked.
5. Finish and Bake
Beat the egg and brush lightly over each pastry straw.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want a little sparkle and crunch.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving — the filling will set as it cools.
What Makes These Special?
It’s the contrast.
The crisp layers of puff pastry shatter lightly when you bite into them. Then you hit the smooth cream cheese and bright cranberry swirl. The orange zest lingers just enough to make you want another one.
They’re not overly sweet — which makes them perfect with:
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Coffee
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Tea
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Mimosas
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Or even as a light dessert
Pro Tips for Extra Wow
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Add a drizzle of orange glaze (powdered sugar + fresh orange juice) after baking for extra citrus brightness.
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Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans inside before folding for a little crunch.
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For a savory-sweet twist, add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the cream cheese mixture.
When to Serve Them
These shine at:
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Holiday brunches
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Baby showers
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Weekend breakfasts
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Afternoon tea
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Or when you want to feel like the main character in your own kitchen
They store well in an airtight container for 2 days — just reheat briefly in the oven to crisp them back up.
