Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Evenly spread the cranberry orange cream cheese filling over one half of the pastry sheet. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent filling from squeezing out during twisting.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a layered rectangle. Press gently along the edges to seal. If needed, lightly roll over the top to even out the thickness.
Step 5: Slice into Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into long, even strips. The width can vary depending on preference, but thinner strips create extra-crispy straws.
Step 6: Twist the Straws
Carefully take each strip and twist it several times, holding both ends and rotating in opposite directions. Place the twisted straws on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly beat an egg and brush it over each pastry straw. This step gives the straws a glossy, golden finish once baked.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and deeply golden brown. The filling will set and the cranberries will become slightly jammy inside the layers.
Step 9: Cool and Finish
Allow the pastry straws to cool slightly on a rack. For a touch of elegance, dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze if desired.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea
- Add them to a holiday dessert board
- Pair with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for dipping
- Package in parchment and ribbon for edible gifts
Tips for Perfect Pastry Straws
- Keep puff pastry cold for maximum flakiness
- Don’t overfill—too much filling makes twisting difficult
- Use fresh orange zest, not bottled flavoring, for the best aroma
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pastry Straws strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, creamy, and crisp. They look impressive, taste bakery-worthy, and require very little effort. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, these pastry straws are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
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