Tasty Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

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These Tasty Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive, flavor-packed appetizer that comes together in minutes. With a creamy base, sweet-tart cranberries, tangy feta, and a bright pop of green onion, every bite tastes like a holiday celebration. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and Christmas snacking!

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
  • 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries, softened in warm water for 5 minutes & drained
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Filling
    In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, cranberries, feta cheese, and green onions. Mix until smooth and evenly combined, making sure the cranberries and feta are well distributed for perfect flavor in every bite.
  2. Step 2: Assemble the Tortilla Rolls
    Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Divide the filling evenly between the two tortillas. Spread the mixture evenly, leaving about ½ inch around the edges to prevent overflow while rolling.
  3. Step 3: Roll & Chill
    Roll each tortilla tightly into a log, then wrap each roll firmly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing much cleaner and easier.
  4. Step 4: Slice & Serve
    Remove the chilled rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice each roll into about 12 pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy your sweet-tangy, creamy cranberry feta pinwheels!

Variation

  1. Add Crunch with Pecans or Walnuts
    Finely chopped toasted nuts bring a subtle crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy cheese and tart cranberries. Just sprinkle a few tablespoons into the mixture before spreading.
  2. Swap the Feta for Goat Cheese
    For an extra-creamy, slightly tangier twist, try using goat cheese instead of feta. It blends effortlessly and gives the pinwheels a softer, more luxurious texture.
  3. Use Spinach Tortillas for Color
    If you want to boost the holiday vibe, spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas add festive color and an extra layer of flavor without altering the recipe.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs
    A small handful of chopped parsley or fresh rosemary brings brightness and a freshly aromatic note that complements the cranberries perfectly.

Cooking Notes

  1. Soften Your Cream Cheese Properly
    Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps in the filling.
  2. Drain Cranberries Well
    After soaking the cranberries, pat them dry so they don’t add extra moisture that could make the tortillas soggy.
  3. Use Sharp Knives
    A clean, sharp knife helps you cut neat, round pinwheels instead of squished slices.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Holiday Party Platters
    Arrange these pinwheels in a wreath shape around a small bowl of cranberry sauce or rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation that wows guests.
  2. Light Appetizer Before Dinner
    These make the perfect no-mess starter because they’re bite-sized, flavorful, and require no utensils just pick up and enjoy.
  3. Pair with Savory Dips
    Serve alongside a creamy ranch or a tangy yogurt-based dip to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.

Tips

  1. Roll the Tortillas Tightly
    Rolling firmly ensures the filling stays centered and the pinwheels stay round when sliced. Loosely rolled tortillas can unravel.
  2. Chill Longer for Clean Slices
    If you have extra time, chill for 2–3 hours. The firmer the rolls, the more perfect each slice will look on your platter.
  3. Let Pinwheels Sit at Room Temperature Before Serving
    Allow them to sit out for about 5–10 minutes so the flavors soften slightly and the cream cheese returns to a silky texture.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)

Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel)

Approximate values will vary by ingredient brands.

  • Calories: ~45
  • Protein: ~1 g
  • Sodium: ~65 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
    Yes! They can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept wrapped in the refrigerator until slicing.
  2. Can I freeze cranberry pinwheels?
    Freezing is not recommended because cream cheese and tortillas change texture after thawing.
  3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    Absolutely. Low-fat cream cheese works well, though the filling may be slightly softer.
  4. What can I substitute for feta?
    Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even shredded white cheddar can be used, each giving the pinwheels a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Tasty Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a quick, festive, and flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. With their creamy texture, bright colors, and delightful sweet-savory balance, they’re guaranteed to be one of the most-requested appetizers of the season. Enjoy every merry bite!

Print
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Tasty Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 pinwheels 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Tasty Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive, flavor-packed appetizer that comes together in minutes. With a creamy base, sweet-tart cranberries, tangy feta, and a bright pop of green onion, every bite tastes like a holiday celebration. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and Christmas snacking!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
  • 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries, softened in warm water for 5 minutes & drained
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Filling
    In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, cranberries, feta cheese, and green onions. Mix until smooth and evenly combined, making sure the cranberries and feta are well distributed for perfect flavor in every bite.
  2. Step 2: Assemble the Tortilla Rolls
    Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Divide the filling evenly between the two tortillas. Spread the mixture evenly, leaving about ½ inch around the edges to prevent overflow while rolling.
  3. Step 3: Roll & Chill
    Roll each tortilla tightly into a log, then wrap each roll firmly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing much cleaner and easier.
  4. Step 4: Slice & Serve
    Remove the chilled rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice each roll into about 12 pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy your sweet-tangy, creamy cranberry feta pinwheels!

Notes

  1. Soften Your Cream Cheese Properly
    Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps in the filling.
  2. Drain Cranberries Well
    After soaking the cranberries, pat them dry so they don’t add extra moisture that could make the tortillas soggy.
  3. Use Sharp Knives
    A clean, sharp knife helps you cut neat, round pinwheels instead of squished slices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
  • Calories: ~45
  • Sugar: ~3 g
  • Sodium: ~65 mg
  • Fat: ~3 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~4 g
  • Fiber: ~0.5 g
  • Protein: ~1 g
  • Cholesterol: ~7 mg

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, holiday appetizer, Christmas snack, tortilla roll-ups, feta cranberry rolls

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