Zaatar puff pastry pinwheels are golden, flaky spirals made with just three ingredients: puff pastry, zaatar and olive oil. They're ready in about 30 minutes, easy to make ahead for a crowd and vegan friendly too.

Before You Start

Cover the edges with zaatar: it stops the pastry opening up like a cutlet while it bakes.
Keep the pastry cold: if it gets soft while you work, pop it back in the freezer until it's manageable.
Baking in batches: opening the oven between trays drops the temperature, so later batches can take a little longer to turn golden and crisp.
Serve with a thick, creamy cucumber yogurt salad for dipping.

zaatar puff pastry pinwheels on black trays — Trust me, you need zaatar puff pastry pinwheels in your life!

A Quick Note from Janelle

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern blend of herbs and toasted sesame seeds. It's what tops manakeesh, the famous Lebanese zaatar pizza and this zaatar pastry recipe is my shortcut for making the perfect party sized bites. Store-bought puff pastry does the work, so you get a flaky, golden bite without any rising or kneading.

My family's zaatar is made with fresh oregano, so if you love that blend, my fresh oregano bread scrolls are next on your list. That one will surprise you with its flavor!

Flavor profile of these zaatar pastries: savory, tangy, herby and nutty. With a buttery, flaky crunch. Both kids and adults love them as they're the perfect grab and go size and totally tasty!

Ingredients

There are only three ingredients, so each one matters. The full list is in the recipe card below.

Zaatar can be homemade or store-bought. You'll find it at a Middle Eastern grocer or online. I prefer homemade zaatar because it's fairly easy to make and tenfold more flavorful. I've linked the brand I use on the occasions I need to buy this.

Olive oil is mixed with the zaatar to make a spreadable paste. Choose a really good quality one.

Puff pastry is found in the freezer section of your supermarket. Thaw it as directed on the packet.

What I Use to Make This Recipe

zaatar

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silicone mat

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Spread, Roll and Flatten

The full instructions are in the recipe card below. These are the steps worth seeing.

Brush the zaatar paste right to the edges, roll the pastry into a log and slice it into 2cm (just under 1 inch) pinwheels.

zaatar pinwheels before baking on a baking sheet

Flatten each one gently with the bottom of a cup, just enough to press it into a thin disc.

Janelle's Tips

Work on a non-stick surface, either a silicone mat or baking paper.
Flattening each pinwheel helps hold the round shape during baking. Don't squash the pastry completely.
Make ahead and freeze: shape and flatten the pinwheels then freeze them as individual pieces on a lined tray. Once frozen transfer them to a container. Bake them from frozen until golden.
Storage: best enjoyed the same day, as puff pastry loses its flaky texture. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge. Pop them in a hot oven to crisp up again if you like. We eat ours at room temperature or straight from the fridge.

zaatar pinwheels in a tray with one held in a hand and a bite missing

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe

Zaatar Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Golden, flaky zaatar pastry pinwheels made with just puff pastry, zaatar and olive oil.

Prep: 15

Cook: 14

Total: 29

Servings: pinwheels

Author: Janelle Hama

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern

Diet: Vegan

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Ingredients

▢ 2 sheets Puff pastry thawed
▢ ⅓ cup Zaatar
▢ ¼ cup Olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine zaatar and olive oil until it becomes a paste.
Lay each sheet of puff pastry on a non-stick surface. Brush the zaatar paste over them making sure the edges are covered too.
Roll each pastry into a log, then cut it into 2cm (just under 1 inch) pieces.
Place the pieces on a lined baking tray and flatten them into thin discs with the bottom of a cup.
Bake in a preheated fan-forced (convection) oven at 200°C (390°F) for 14 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy warm or cool.

Video

Notes

Check the puff pastry label. Many store-bought sheets contain butter, so choose a vegan or plant-based one if you require.
Cover the edges with zaatar so the pastry doesn't open up while baking.
Work on a silicone mat or baking paper. If the pastry gets too soft, return it to the freezer until manageable.
Press with the bottom of a cup just enough to flatten, not to squash.
To make ahead, freeze the shaped and flattened pinwheels as individual pieces on a lined tray, then bake from frozen.
Best the same day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and re-crisp in a hot oven.