Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are one of the simplest and most festive holiday appetizers you can make. Each tortilla roll‐up is filled with creamy cheese, tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, then sliced into elegant bite-sized pinwheels. The colors alone—creamy white, ruby red, and bright green—instantly give these pinwheels a Christmas feel. Although they look fancy, they come together in minutes and require absolutely no cooking, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or last-minute entertaining. Their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors makes them surprisingly addictive, and they’re guaranteed to be one of the first appetizers to disappear from your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
You’ll love this recipe because it’s fast, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. The combination of cream cheese and feta creates a rich, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries. Additionally, the pinwheels can be prepared hours in advance, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday weeks. They travel well, look beautiful on a platter, and require minimal cleanup.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re searching for a no-bake appetizer that feels festive without much work, these pinwheels are the perfect choice. They’re versatile, customizable, and great for feeding a crowd. Since each bite delivers creamy, sweet, salty, and tangy notes, the flavor profile feels elevated while still being incredibly simple. These little roll-ups are also budget-friendly, making them a smart option for holiday hosting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 4 large flour tortillas
● 8 oz cream cheese, softened
● ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
● 1 cup dried cranberries
● ¼ cup chopped green onions
● ¼ cup chopped parsley or spinach
● Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare the Filling
Add softened cream cheese, feta, cranberries, green onions, and parsley to a medium bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Taste and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2 – Spread the Mixture
Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface and divide the filling evenly among them. Spread it all the way to the edges to ensure every slice looks full and uniform.
Step 3 – Roll Them Tightly
Starting at one end, roll each tortilla into a tight log. Keep the rolls firm so the pinwheels stay neat when sliced.
Step 4 – Chill for Clean Slicing
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.
Step 5 – Slice and Serve
Remove the wrap and cut each roll into ½-inch pinwheels. Arrange neatly on a platter and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per pinwheel)
Calories: 55
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 1g
Tips for the Best Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Chop cranberries if they’re large for cleaner cuts.
- Choose soft tortillas to prevent cracking.
- Roll tightly for compact, even slices.
- Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Use a serrated knife for clean edges.
- Add honey for a sweeter version.
- Add walnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Mix spinach with parsley for brighter color.
- Make a double batch—these disappear fast.
Variations & Substitutions
● Honey Walnut Roll-Ups: Add chopped walnuts + a drizzle of honey.
● Goat Cheese Version: Swap feta with soft goat cheese.
● Savory Herb Option: Add dill, basil, or thyme.
● Pesto Pinwheels: Spread pesto under the cream cheese.
● Cranberry Pecan: Add toasted pecans for crunch.
● Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
● Whole Wheat Tortillas: Slightly nuttier flavor.
● Low-Fat Swap: Use reduced-fat cream cheese.
What to Serve with Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
These pinwheels pair well with charcuterie boards, holiday cheese platters, fresh fruit trays, Christmas punch, sparkling drinks, or warm appetizers. They’re perfect alongside finger foods such as pigs in a blanket, stuffed mushrooms, or festive veggie trays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Not chilling—the rolls will fall apart when sliced.
● Using stiff tortillas—they crack instead of rolling.
● Adding too much filling—it squeezes out the sides.
● Skipping seasoning—the flavors become flat.
● Cutting too thick—smaller slices look better on platters.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To Store: Keep pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls, keep them wrapped, and slice right before serving.
To Freeze: Avoid freezing—cream cheese changes texture.
Conclusion
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are festive, colorful, and incredibly easy, making them the perfect holiday appetizer. With their vibrant flavors, no-bake convenience, and stunning presentation, these pinwheels bring holiday cheer to every table. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or preparing a quick snack for guests, this recipe guarantees a beautiful and delicious result.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I make these the night before? Yes—assemble, chill, and slice before serving.
- Can I use goat cheese? Absolutely—it adds richness.
- Do I need to soften cream cheese? Yes, for a smooth filling.
- Can I use fresh cranberries? No, dried ones work best in roll-ups.
- How do I prevent cracking? Use soft, fresh tortillas.
- Can I add nuts? Walnuts or pecans add great crunch.
- Can I make them sweeter? Add a drizzle of honey.
- Are they vegetarian? Yes, fully vegetarian.
- How long can they sit out? About 2 hours at room temperature.
- Can I use colored tortillas? Yes—spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps add color.