Add a burst of holiday flavor to your appetizer spread with these Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels! Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, these bite-sized treats combine velvety cream cheese with zesty orange marmalade and tart cranberries for a deliciously balanced snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, need a quick make-ahead appetizer, or just want something cheerful and easy to whip up, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, orange marmalade, orange zest, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
- Spread and layer: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add crunch (optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Roll it up: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap and slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange neatly on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Variation
- Add a savory twist: Try mixing in a teaspoon of finely chopped green onions or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and give your pinwheels a slightly savory edge.
- Make it festive: Use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for a holiday color palette perfect for Christmas parties or Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Switch the fruit: Substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries or apricots for a different fruity flavor combination that still pairs beautifully with orange.
Cooking Notes
- Soft cream cheese is key: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it’ll blend smoothly without lumps.
- Chilling time matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It helps the pinwheels set and makes cutting much cleaner.
- Sharp knife for slicing: Use a serrated or very sharp knife to slice the pinwheels without flattening them.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect party platter: Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a festive platter, and garnish with sprigs of parsley or fresh cranberries for a holiday touch.
- Pair with drinks: These sweet and tangy pinwheels go wonderfully with sparkling cider, mimosas, or a glass of chilled white wine.
- Light lunch or snack: Serve with a side of mixed greens or fruit salad for a quick, refreshing bite anytime of day.
Tips
- Make ahead: These pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator just slice before serving.
- Control sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of marmalade or add a touch more zest for extra citrus brightness.
- Texture boost: A sprinkle of granulated sugar on top before chilling can give the edges a slight sparkle and added crunch once sliced.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop them finely and add a teaspoon of sugar to balance their tartness. - How long do these pinwheels keep in the refrigerator?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes! Wrap the uncut rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely just use gluten-free tortillas, and make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and festive. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, they’re a go-to appetizer for holiday parties, brunch gatherings, or cozy family nights. Sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible these cheerful bites will have everyone coming back for more!
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Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Add a burst of holiday flavor to your appetizer spread with these Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels! Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, these bite-sized treats combine velvety cream cheese with zesty orange marmalade and tart cranberries for a deliciously balanced snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, need a quick make-ahead appetizer, or just want something cheerful and easy to whip up, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, orange marmalade, orange zest, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
- Spread and layer: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add crunch (optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Roll it up: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap and slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange neatly on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Soft cream cheese is key: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it’ll blend smoothly without lumps.
- Chilling time matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It helps the pinwheels set and makes cutting much cleaner.
- Sharp knife for slicing: Use a serrated or very sharp knife to slice the pinwheels without flattening them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Holiday Recipes
- Method: No-Bake, Chill and Slice
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cranberry orange pinwheels, cream cheese pinwheels, holiday appetizers, no-bake snacks, festive finger foods, party platter recipes