4-Ingredient Strawberry Pinwheels: the Recipe for a Quick and Delicious Dessert for an Afternoon Treat!

Craving a taste of summer but the season hasn't quite arrived yet?  Look no further than these tasty Strawberry Puff Pastry Pinwheels! This recipe takes fresh, juicy strawberries and encases them in a blanket of flaky, buttery puff pastry. Sliced and baked to golden perfection, these rolls are the perfect way to start your day, or end a meal. Made with just two main ingredients – store-bought puff pastry and fresh strawberries – this recipe comes together in a flash. They're perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests. So, preheat your oven, grab those berries, and let's get baking!

What are Strawberry Puff Pastry Pinwheels?

Strawberry Puff Pastry Pinwheels are tasty pastries made with just two main ingredients: puff pastry and fresh strawberries. The puff pastry is rolled out, filled with sliced, and then wrapped or folded into a shape before being baked until golden brown and flaky.

Pastries filled with fruits have been around for centuries, possibly dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe. These early versions likely used a simpler dough than modern puff pastry. Puff pastry itself is thought to have been developed in France in the 17th century. The technique of layering butter and dough creates a light and airy pastry that became a favorite among European nobility.

Despite their seemingly simple ingredients, Strawberry Puff Pastry Rolls can look quite elegant when presented for a special occasion.

Tips

• Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator for a few hours, until it's pliable but still cold. This ensures even puffing during baking. Don't thaw it completely at room temperature, or it will become too soft and difficult to handle.
• Use a light touch when rolling out the puff pastry. Over-handling or pressing too hard can make the dough tough and less flaky.
• Choose ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid mushy or underripe berries.
• For a burst of juicy sweetness, toss the strawberries with a little sugar and let them sit for 15-20 minutes before using. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices from the berries, creating a delicious syrup. However, be aware that the macerated strawberries will release more liquid, so you might need to drain them slightly before adding them to the pastry to avoid a soggy filling.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. However, frozen strawberries tend to be softer and release more liquid when thawed.  To prevent this, thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. This will prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.

What Kind Of Puff Pastry Should I Use for Strawberry Puff Pastry Rolls?

Most grocery stores sell frozen puff pastry sheets. You can use either an all-butter puff pastry for the richest flavor, or a vegetarian puff pastry made with vegetable shortening.

How Can I Make These Rolls Ahead Of Time?

These rolls can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature slightly.

What Other Fruits Can I Use?

This recipe is very versatile! You can substitute other fruits for the strawberries, such as sliced peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or cherries. Just keep in mind the size and juiciness of the fruit you choose.

These Rolls Seem Too Simple, Can I Dress Them Up?

Absolutely! Here are some ways to elevate your Strawberry Puff Pastry Rolls:

• Drizzle the rolls with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a glaze flavored with vanilla or almond extract.
• Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the rolls for a decadent touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios over the rolls before baking for added texture and flavor.

More Strawberry Recipes for Your Afternoon Treats

Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts

3-Ingredient Chocolate Strawberry Fudge

3-Ingredient Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Clusters

How to Store Strawberry Puff Pastry Rolls

Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust will soften slightly over time.

How To Make Strawberry Puff Pastry Rolls

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the strawberries into pieces.

Roll out the dough and spread the strawberry pieces evenly over it.

Wrap the dough into a log shape, starting from the short edge.

Cut the dough log into slices (around 1-inch thick). Transfer the slices to a baking pan.

Brush the tops of the rolls with milk.

Sprinkle generously with sugar.

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.