Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Name: Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large tortillas; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup honey

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight your holiday gatherings with these festive Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and creamy cheese wrapped in a delicious tortilla, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer. Easy to make and visually stunning, they will be the star of your holiday spread!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-25T09:50:37.579Z

Perfect for Any Occasion

Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels aren't just limited to holiday gatherings; they are a delightful addition to any event throughout the year. Their vibrant red and green colors make them visually appealing, ensuring they catch the eye of your guests. Whether you're hosting a festive holiday party, a summer picnic, or a cozy family gathering, these pinwheels make for an impressive appetizer that can elevate your table setting.

These pinwheels are incredibly versatile. You can serve them alongside other appetizers, or they can stand alone as a delicious finger food. The blend of juicy cranberries and creamy cheese is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of palates. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for the busy host looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy to Prepare Ahead of Time

One of the many advantages of Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels is their make-ahead appeal. You can prepare them a day in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event. Simply follow the mixing and rolling steps, then chill them overnight in the refrigerator. This not only helps the flavors to meld beautifully but also allows for easy slicing just before serving.

When you're ready to serve, just whip out your pre-made pinwheels, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and arrange them on a platter. This strategy saves you time and stress on the day of your gathering while ensuring that your guests can enjoy a fresh, flavorful treat that looks just as good as it tastes.

Engaging Kids in the Kitchen

Getting children involved in holiday cooking can make for cherished family memories, and Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a great recipe to include them in. The steps are straightforward, making it easy for little hands to help with mixing the ingredients. They can even get creative with how they roll the tortillas, adding to the fun of the cooking process.

Not only does this recipe promote bonding time, but it also introduces children to the joy of cooking and the excitement of presenting food to guests. As they participate in making these pinwheels, they learn about measuring, mixing, and the importance of having fun in the kitchen. You'll be teaching them culinary skills that they can use for years to come!

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels

4 large tortillas
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup honey

Mix the ingredients and prepare to roll!

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

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

Spread and Roll

On each tortilla, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Chill and Slice

Chill the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, slice them into bite-sized pinwheels.

Serve as an appetizer or party snack!

Storage Tips

If you have leftover Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the uncut rolls. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat them, simply thaw the pinwheels in the refrigerator overnight. A quick slice and a few minutes at room temperature will have them ready to impress once again. This makes it easy to enjoy these delightful treats even after the holiday festivities have ended.

Customization Ideas

While the traditional recipe is delicious, you can easily customize Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels to suit your tastes. Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cranberries. For a kick, consider adding jalapeño or sriracha to the mix, which can balance the sweetness of the cranberries with a bit of heat.

You can also swap out walnuts for pecans or even almonds to change up the nutty flavor and texture. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free tortillas. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to cater to different dietary preferences while still delivering a festive treat.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, serve them on a beautiful platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers. Pair these pinwheels with a variety of dips such as honey mustard or a savory balsamic reduction to enhance the flavor. This will not only make for a more enjoyable tasting experience but also encourage guests to try different combinations.

Additionally, consider pairing these pinwheels with complementary drinks. A glass of sparkling cider or a light red wine can balance out the tangy sweetness of the cranberries, creating a well-rounded flavor experience. Whether for a casual gathering or an elegant affair, these thoughtful touches will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

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

→ Can I substitute the cranberries?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries or any other dried fruit as a substitute.