While sipping on a fresh cup of coffee, the memory of sharing pastry straws with friends flooded back to me, each bite flaky and indulgent. My latest obsession? Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws! These delightful treats marry the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange zest, wrapped in golden puff pastry that’s just a joy to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its charming simplicity: it’s quick to whip up and a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Plus, they’re fantastic for meal prep—store them for up to a week or freeze them for a last-minute treat! Are you ready to bring a touch of warmth and joy to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why Are These Pastry Straws So Irresistible?
Delightfully Flaky: The puff pastry offers a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Bursting with Flavor: A heavenly blend of cranberries and orange zest creates a delightful balance of tart and sweet, perfect for any palate.
Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep time means these straws are quick to mix and bake, making them an ideal choice for unexpected guests.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: With simple substitutions, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats—check out the vegan option for a plant-based alternative!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these straws are a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with your favorite beverage.
Make your cooking experience even more enjoyable by exploring our tips for successful baking in our easy baking guide!
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws Ingredients
For the Filling
• Cream cheese – provides a rich, creamy base that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries.
• Cranberries – use fresh for a more vibrant flavor, or dried for a sweeter touch; either works great for your cranberry orange cream cheese pastry straws!
• Orange zest – enhances the filling with a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens every bite.
• Sugar – a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tart cranberries and elevate the flavors.
• Vanilla extract – adds warmth and complexity, making the filling more decadent.
For the Pastry
• Puff pastry – this is the star that wraps your filling; it should be nicely thawed for ease of rolling.
• Egg – used for egg wash, helping the pastry achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Water – combines with the egg to create a smooth egg wash that glazes the pastry.
With these delightful ingredients, you're just moments away from creating stunning pastry straws that are sure to impress!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for your Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment, such as a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, mixing bowls, and a rolling pin to streamline your preparation.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of cranberries (fresh or dried), ½ cup of orange zest, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy filling. This delightful mixture will elevate the flavor of your pastry straws, offering a sweet-tart contrast that's simply irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry to a ¼ inch thickness. Cut the pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long. Ensure the strips are even, as this will help your Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws bake uniformly and achieve that lovely golden-brown color everyone adores.
Step 4: Fill the Straws
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto one end of each pastry strip, taking care not to overfill. Gently fold the pastry over the filling to create straws and then press down on the edges to seal them well. This step is crucial for ensuring the filling stays tucked inside during baking.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat one egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash that will give your pastry straws a lovely shine. Carefully brush this mixture over each pastry straw using a pastry brush, ensuring even coverage for that beautiful golden color once baked.
Step 6: Arrange for Baking
Place the filled and brushed pastry straws onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart for even cooking. The puff pastry will expand slightly while baking, so give them a little breathing room to develop their delectable flaky texture without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake the Pastry Straws
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and look for a beautiful golden-brown color and a puffed-up appearance, indicating that your Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are perfectly done.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the straws from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle and makes handling easier. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every flaky bite!
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws
Elevate your gathering with delightful pairings that complement the sweet and tangy flavors of these pastry straws.
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Warm Mulled Cider: The comforting spices in mulled cider enhance the fruity notes in the pastry straws, making each bite more enjoyable.
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Cheese Board: A selection of creamy cheeses alongside nuts and fruits balances the richness of the straws, creating a festive atmosphere.
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Citrus Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal, perfectly contrasting the richness of the straws.
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Sparkling Water: Light and refreshing, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime cleanses the palate and enhances your tasting experience.
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Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, a chocolate fondue paired with fruits and marshmallows is decadent and encourages playful sharing among friends and family.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream by the side makes for a delightful, creamy dessert that ties in beautifully with the fruity pastry straws.
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Tea Selection: A warm cup of chamomile or fruity herbal tea transforms your pastry experience into a cozy retreat, perfect for intimate gatherings.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the filling (cream cheese, cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and vanilla) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cut the pastry into strips and store them layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking, ready to be filled when needed. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble the straws and brush with the egg wash. Baking straight from the fridge is perfectly fine, ensuring that you're serving fresh, flaky treats that are just as delicious, saving you precious time during busy weeknights!
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty twists and substitutions that will make your pastry straws even more delightful!
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Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk cornstarch mixture for the egg wash. You’ll still achieve that creamy filling with a plant-friendly twist!
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Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. These straws will still be irresistibly flaky and are perfect for gatherings!
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Sweet Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the cranberries. This unexpected twist will make your pastries even more exciting!
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture and richness. They’ll bring a wonderful crunch that complements the softness of the cream cheese beautifully.
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Citrus Burst: Enhance the orange flavor by adding a few drops of fresh orange juice to the filling. This will brighten up the flavor and deliver an extra zing in every bite.
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Savory Surprise: Swap cranberries for chopped sun-dried tomatoes and omit sugar for a savory pastry straw. Pair with a herb cream cheese for a delightful appetizer twist!
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in other fruits like chopped apples or pears for a delightful medley in the filling. You’ll add an extra layer of flavor and natural sweetness that everyone will love!
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Dip Delight: Serve with a side of honey or a citrus dipping sauce that mirrors the filling flavors, elevating the pastry experience. A splash of warmth from a nice drink complements this treat perfectly.
Feel inspired? Make your kitchen adventure even more enjoyable by trying out these variations! Find more details on great baking strategies in our easy baking guide for the best homemade results!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws
Fridge: Store your leftover pastry straws in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their flakiness while keeping them fresh for snacking!
Freezer: To freeze, lay the baked pastry straws on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, your cranberry orange cream cheese pastry straws are easily accessible for a quick treat.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat your straws straight from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
Thawing: If you prefer to thaw before reheating, leave your pastry straws in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating instructions to enjoy them fresh!
Expert Tips for the Best Pastry Straws
Proper Thawing: Ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before rolling. This prevents tearing and allows for better folding during assembly.
Filling Control: Avoid overfilling the pastry strips. A tablespoon of cream cheese mixture is sufficient; this prevents spills and ensures they seal properly.
Perfect Egg Wash: For a beautiful finish, make sure the egg wash covers the entire surface of the pastry straws. This will achieve that golden-brown hue everyone loves.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws as they bake, pulling them out when they show a golden color.
Cooling Matters: Allow the straws to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up and enhances the flavors before serving.
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cranberries?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, fresh cranberries are ideal—look for firm, bright red berries with no dark spots. If using dried cranberries, opt for unsweetened varieties to balance the cream cheese sweetness better.
What’s the best way to store leftover pastry straws?
You can store your leftover pastry straws in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them flaky, ensure they’re completely cool before sealing. This way, they maintain their delightful texture and flavor!
Can I freeze these pastry straws? How?
Yes, you can freeze them! Once baked and cooled, lay the pastry straws on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a snack, reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling during baking?
To avoid spills, be sure not to overfill your pastry strips—1 tablespoon of filling is usually perfect. Additionally, firmly pressing the edges to seal is crucial. If you find any openings, you can use a little water to help seal them better.
Are there any dietary considerations for these pastry straws?
Very! For a vegan version, simply substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and replace the egg wash with a non-dairy milk and cornstarch mixture. For those needing gluten-free options, gluten-free puff pastry works wonderfully in this recipe!
What can I serve with my Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws?
These delightful pastry straws pair beautifully with holiday beverages like mulled wine or sparkling cider. They also shine on a cheeseboard alongside your favorite cheeses and nuts. The more the merrier—get creative!
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws That Wow!
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cranberries fresh or dried
- ½ cup orange zest
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry to a ¼ inch thickness and cut into strips.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto one end of each pastry strip and fold over to seal.
- Beat egg with water to create an egg wash and brush over each pastry straw.
- Arrange filled pastry straws on a baking sheet and space them apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the straws to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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