Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these festive and vibrant Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. This easy recipe combines creamy cheese and tart cranberries wrapped in a flavorful tortilla, creating a stunning appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Serve them at your Christmas party or potluck for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Amelia Grant

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-11-28T13:09:15.378Z

These Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious and easy to make!

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

When it comes to holiday gatherings, selecting the right appetizers is key to setting the mood and tantalizing your guests' taste buds. These Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels fit the bill perfectly. Their colorful presentation and harmonious blend of flavors create a festive atmosphere while being incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can offer a visually appealing and delightful treat that no one can resist. Plus, their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for mingling, allowing guests to enjoy them while socializing.

Each bite of these pinwheels offers a crunchy, creamy, and slightly tangy experience, thanks to the combination of fresh cranberries and creamy cheese. The walnuts add a wonderful texture, while the green onions lend a hint of freshness. This recipe not only delights the palate but also provides a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday buffet table. Make sure to prepare extra, as they are bound to disappear quickly!

Versatile and Customizable

One of the many charms of these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels is their versatility. While the recipe calls for cream cheese and cranberries, you can easily swap in different types of spreadable cheeses or add ingredients such as spinach or dried fruits to suit your preferences. This adaptability makes it easy to tailor the pinwheels to match various dietary needs or flavor profiles, ensuring that everyone at your gathering can enjoy these delightful bites.

Moreover, you can experiment with different types of tortillas. Whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or even flavored tortillas can elevate the dish while adding to its visual appeal. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to impress your guests with unique variations that keep them talking long after the festivities are over.

Make-Ahead Convenience

Another advantage of these pinwheels is their make-ahead convenience. To save time on the day of your holiday party, you can prepare them in advance. Simply assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping them fresh for your guests. Just before serving, you can arrange them on a platter for an effortlessly elegant presentation.

Preparing the pinwheels ahead of time also provides you with more flexibility on the day of the event. You can focus on other dishes, cocktail preparation, or setting up your space, knowing that you've already got a delicious appetizer ready to go. This ease of preparation will leave you with more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones!

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped cranberries, green onions, walnuts, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread an even layer of the filling over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll and Slice

Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly. Once rolled, slice into pinwheels of your desired thickness.

Serve

Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve with festive toothpicks if desired.

These pinwheels can be made a day in advance for easy entertaining!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, consider adding a festive touch by garnishing them with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavors, making the dish even more mouthwatering. Pair the pinwheels with a light dip, such as a yogurt-based dressing or a tangy balsamic reduction, to offer your guests an extra layer of flavor.

You can also serve the pinwheels alongside other holiday appetizers, creating a delightful spread that showcases a variety of tastes and textures. From savory cheese platters to sweet fruit arrangements, the pinwheels will shine as a charismatic centerpiece at any gathering.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, you can easily store them for later enjoyment. Make sure to place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing their texture and flavor. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pinwheels. Wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy a delightful snack that tastes just like fresh!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day before and store them in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can use pecans or omit the nuts if you prefer.

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these festive and vibrant Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. This easy recipe combines creamy cheese and tart cranberries wrapped in a flavorful tortilla, creating a stunning appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Serve them at your Christmas party or potluck for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Amelia Grant

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 pinwheels

What You'll Need

For the Pinwheels

  1. 4 large flour tortillas
  2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  3. 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  4. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  5. 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  6. 1 tsp honey
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped cranberries, green onions, walnuts, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 02

Spread an even layer of the filling over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 03

Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly. Once rolled, slice into pinwheels of your desired thickness.

Step 04

Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve with festive toothpicks if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 7g