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Apple Cranberry Goat Cheese Pastry Twists with Thyme

Flaky puff pastry wrapped around a tangy-sweet apple cranberry compote, creamy honeyed goat cheese, and fragrant thyme — these twists feel like something pulled warm from a winter hearth. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, breads, Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple, apple dessert, cranberry, garlic honey, goat chesse, puff pastry, puff pastry twists, thyme, twists
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • wooden spoon
  • knife and cutting board
  • mixing bowls small and medium
  • mortar and pestle
  • Baking Sheet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment Paper
  • pastry brush
  • Cooling Rack optional

Ingredients

Apple Cranberry Compote

  • 2 medium apples diced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 tbsp lemon juce
  • 2-3 tbsp maple syurp
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp pecans roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Goat Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz plain goat cheese softened
  • 1.5 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme

Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1 egg for egg wash

Thyme Sugar Topping

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, combine apples, cranberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and the cinnamon stick. Simmer over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and thickens. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, then stir in chopped pecans and thyme. Let cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, mix goat cheese with honey and fresh thyme until smooth.In a mortar and pestle, grind brown sugar and thyme together until fragrant and well combined. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread an even layer of goat cheese over half of the pastry, then spoon a thin layer of cooled compote on top. Fold the pastry in half and gently press to seal.
  • Cut into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle generously with thyme sugar, and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm.