Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws

Flaky, Bright & Holiday-Perfect

Author: asil
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 pastry straws
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are a beautifully balanced dessert that combines flaky puff pastry with a vibrant, creamy filling. Sweet-tart cranberry sauce, fragrant orange zest, and smooth cream cheese come together inside crisp, golden pastry for a treat that feels festive yet approachable. These pastry straws are perfect for holidays, brunch spreads, dessert tables, or anytime you want a quick baked good that looks elegant and tastes indulgent.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Puff pastry does most of the work, creating buttery layers that puff dramatically in the oven. The filling requires only a few ingredients, but the flavor payoff is impressive. Cranberry brings brightness and a gentle tang, orange zest adds freshness and aroma, and cream cheese provides richness and balance. A light dusting of powdered sugar at the end gives these pastry straws a polished, bakery-style finish.

These pastry straws work beautifully as a dessert, but they are equally at home served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They can be prepared quickly, baked in under 20 minutes, and enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Because they are portioned individually, they are easy to serve and ideal for gatherings.

In this article, you will find a complete guide to making Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws, including ingredient explanations, step-by-step preparation, helpful baking tips, storage advice, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be accessible, reliable, and rewarding.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. Using quality ingredients will elevate the final result.

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  Puff pastry forms the flaky, buttery exterior of the pastry straws. When baked, it expands into light layers that contrast beautifully with the creamy filling. Make sure the pastry is thawed but still cool to handle.

Cream Cheese

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  Cream cheese provides richness and structure to the filling. Softening it beforehand ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that spreads easily and bakes evenly.

Cranberry Sauce

• ½ cup cranberry sauce
  Cranberry sauce adds sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color. Both homemade and canned cranberry sauce work well, as long as it has a thick consistency.

Orange Zest

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
  Orange zest brings a bright, citrus aroma that complements the cranberry perfectly. It enhances the filling without adding extra liquid.

Sugar

• 1 tablespoon sugar
  Sugar lightly sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the cranberries. Only a small amount is needed, as the cranberry sauce already provides sweetness.

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  Egg wash gives the pastry straws a glossy, golden finish when baked. It also helps seal the pastry edges.

Powdered Sugar

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and a subtle sweetness, completing the pastry straws with a classic bakery touch.

Preparation Method

Follow these steps carefully to achieve flaky, golden pastry straws with a creamy, flavorful filling.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Preheating is essential, as puff pastry needs high heat to rise properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth any creases. Avoid pressing too hard, as you want to preserve the layers. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.

Keep the pastry strips cool while you prepare the filling. If your kitchen is warm, you can place the strips in the refrigerator for a few minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring that the cranberry and zest are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto the pastry. If the cream cheese is fully softened, the mixture will come together easily without overmixing.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry Straws

Place a small spoonful of the filling at one end of each pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling lengthwise to enclose it, creating a filled pocket. Press the edges gently together.

Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely. This step helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking and gives the pastry straws a decorative finish.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the assembled pastry straws lightly with the beaten egg. This step enhances browning and creates a shiny, golden surface once baked.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange the pastry straws on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Keep an eye on them during the final minutes, as puff pastry can brown quickly.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Remove the pastry straws from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Just before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a refined finish.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Texture and Flavor Profile

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws deliver a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors:

• Flaky and crisp exterior from the puff pastry
• Creamy, smooth filling from the cream cheese
• Bright, tangy sweetness from the cranberry sauce
• Fresh citrus aroma from the orange zest
• Light sweetness from powdered sugar

Each bite offers balance, with no single element overpowering the others.

Tips for Best Results

1. Keep puff pastry cold before baking to ensure maximum rise.
2. Do not overfill the pastry strips, as excess filling can leak during baking.
3. Seal edges firmly with a fork to maintain shape.
4. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
5. Bake at high heat for proper puff pastry expansion.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Add to a holiday dessert platter
• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread
• Serve as a light dessert after a festive meal

These pastry straws are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored refrigerated. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes. Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well, as long as it is thick and not overly runny.

Can these pastry straws be served cold?

They can be served at room temperature, but they are best enjoyed slightly warm for optimal texture and flavor.

How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Ensure the filling is thick and do not overload the pastry. Baking at a high temperature also helps keep the pastry crisp.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can prepare the filling ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake the pastry straws shortly before serving.

Can I freeze them?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the puff pastry may suffer after thawing.

Are these very sweet?

No. The sweetness is balanced and mild, with cranberry providing gentle tartness and cream cheese adding richness.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are a delightful combination of simplicity and elegance. With flaky puff pastry, a creamy fruit-filled center, and bright citrus notes, they offer a dessert that feels festive without being complicated. This recipe is ideal for holidays, brunches, or any occasion where you want something visually appealing and delicious with minimal effort.

By following the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips in this guide, you can confidently prepare pastry straws that are golden, flaky, and full of flavor. Whether served warm from the oven or shared at a gathering, these pastry straws are sure to impress and satisfy.

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