Delicious & Easy Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A 4-Ingredient Pillsbury Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds with an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe featuring Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent rolls. These Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the epitome of effortless baking, requiring only four basic ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of your precious time. The magical combination of plump, juicy blueberries nestled with creamy, light cream cheese and a hint of warm cinnamon creates a dessert (or even a breakfast treat!) that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light. And for those mindful of their intake, each pinwheel is a lean 2 smart points, making them a guilt-free pleasure that’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
Whether you’re looking for a quick brunch addition, a delightful breakfast pastry, or a light dessert, these pinwheels fit the bill perfectly. Their charming spiral shape and vibrant blueberry filling make them as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. Forget complicated baking; this recipe leverages the convenience of store-bought crescent rolls to deliver a homemade taste with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pinwheel Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels. They are:
- Incredibly Simple: With just 4 ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes, including prep and bake time.
- Deliciously Balanced: The sweetness of blueberries, the tanginess of cream cheese, and the warmth of cinnamon create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Versatile: Serve them warm for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert. They’re also great for sharing at gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly: At only 2 smart points per pinwheel, they offer a satisfying treat without derailing your healthy eating goals.
The Power of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
The secret to the speed and simplicity of this recipe lies in one fantastic ingredient: Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent rolls. These flaky, buttery rolls are a staple in many kitchens for a reason. They provide a perfect, ready-made base that eliminates the need for complex dough preparation, allowing you to focus on the delicious filling. Using the reduced-fat version helps keep the calorie and fat count lower, aligning perfectly with a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste or texture. When unrolled and pressed together, they transform into a seamless canvas, ideal for creating these delightful spirals.
Key Ingredients for Your Pinwheels
Each of the four ingredients plays a crucial role in making these pinwheels so irresistible:
- Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls: As mentioned, these are the star of the show, providing the flaky pastry base. Their convenience is unmatched, making this a truly fast recipe.
- Softened Light Cream Cheese: Opting for light cream cheese keeps the dessert on the healthier side while still delivering that essential creamy, slightly tangy richness. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy and even spreading. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to work with, potentially tearing the delicate crescent roll dough.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and a comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with both blueberries and cream cheese. Just a teaspoon is enough to infuse the pinwheels with a delightful, cozy flavor.
- Fresh Blueberries: The fresh blueberries burst with natural sweetness and a slight tartness when baked, creating pockets of fruity goodness in every bite. While fresh is recommended for the best texture and vibrant color, if fresh blueberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them beforehand to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy.
Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 package of pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup softened light cream cheese
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F and Prepare Baking Sheet: Before you begin mixing, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your pinwheels enter the oven. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Set it aside for later.
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Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the package of Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent rolls and lay them out flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a cutting board or a lightly floured countertop. You should have two rectangular strips, each consisting of four triangles. Carefully pinch together any perforations or openings in the pastry to create a more solid, seamless surface for your filling. This will help keep the filling neatly contained when you roll them up.
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Apply Cream Cheese and Cinnamon: Divide the softened light cream cheese evenly between the two dough strips, spreading about 2 tablespoons onto each piece. Aim for an even layer that covers most of the surface, leaving a small border at one of the long edges to help with sealing. Next, sprinkle half a teaspoon of cinnamon over the cream cheese on each strip. The cinnamon will infuse a wonderful warm spice throughout the pinwheels.
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Roll Up and Chill: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll up each pastry strip into a tight log. Place these rolled logs into the freezer for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step helps firm up the dough and the cream cheese filling, making it much easier to cut neat, even pinwheel slices without squishing the dough or having the filling ooze out.
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Slice and Add Blueberries: After chilling, remove the rolls from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each log into 8 equally sized pieces, creating a total of 16 pinwheels. Arrange these pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press a few fresh blueberries onto the top of each pinwheel. Make sure to press them down slightly into the cream cheese mixture so they are secure and won’t roll off during baking.
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Bake and Serve: Place the baking sheet with the pinwheels into your preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the blueberries are slightly softened and juicy. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm for the best experience. Each pinwheel is approximately 2 smart points, or 1 personal point (Weight Watchers). You can enjoy 2 pinwheels for 3 personal points. Enjoy your homemade, delightful treat!
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Nutritional Information: Please note that the following nutritional data is estimated and does not include the blueberries, as their size and sweetness can vary. Calories per pinwheel: 54; Fat: 2.3g; Saturated Fat: 0.9g; Carbohydrates: 6.9g; Fiber: 0.1g; Sugars: 1.8g; Protein: 1.3g. Adding blueberries will slightly increase these values, particularly sugar and fiber.
Additional Info
Tips for Pinwheel Perfection
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can ensure your Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels turn out perfectly every time:
- Soft Cream Cheese is Key: Don’t skip softening the cream cheese. It makes a huge difference in how easily and evenly it spreads, preventing tears in the crescent roll dough.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting to add extra filling, stick to the recommended amounts to ensure the pinwheels roll up neatly and bake properly.
- The Freezer Trick Works Wonders: Chilling the rolled logs for 5 minutes isn’t just a suggestion; it genuinely makes cutting easier and results in cleaner, more defined pinwheels.
- Press Down Blueberries: Gently pushing the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture helps them stay in place during baking, ensuring every pinwheel has a delightful berry topping.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your pinwheels, especially towards the end of the baking time, to prevent them from burning. They should be golden brown and puffed.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a quick and satisfying start to your day. They also make a wonderful addition to a larger brunch spread.
- Dessert: A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
- Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner treat.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness, whisk together a simple glaze of powdered sugar and a tiny bit of milk or lemon juice, then drizzle over the warm pinwheels.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries, or even a mix! Just be sure to dice larger fruits finely.
- Citrus Zest: A pinch of lemon or orange zest mixed into the cream cheese could add a bright, refreshing note.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they are best enjoyed warm, they are also delicious at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. They might lose a bit of their crispness but will still be delightful.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Easy Dessert or Breakfast
These Blueberry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pinwheels truly are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. They offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the added benefit of being quick to prepare and smart-point friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a delicious outcome. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next breakfast, brunch, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Enjoy the ease and the incredible taste!