Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Highlighted under: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. Made with a creamy filling and wrapped in soft tortillas, these festive bites are packed with the tartness of fresh cranberries and a touch of sweetness, making them the perfect appetizer or party snack. They are easy to prepare and make a stunning addition to your holiday platter, sure to impress your guests.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-11-25T05:56:08.565Z

A Festive Twist on a Classic

Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels bring a festive twist to traditional holiday appetizers. These bite-sized delights combine the zesty flavor of fresh cranberries with the creaminess of cheese, making for a perfect balance of taste and texture. The use of vibrant red cranberries not only adds a delightful taste but also enhances the visual appeal of your holiday table. Guests will be drawn to these colorful rolls, making them a standout choice for any gathering.

These pinwheels are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The recipe allows room for creativity—feel free to swap in different nuts or add herbs to personalize your filling! Whether served at a holiday party, a family gathering, or as a snack during movie night, these pinwheels will be a hit. Their versatility ensures that they cater to both savory and sweet palates alike.

Easy Preparation for Stress-Free Entertaining

One of the greatest benefits of these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels is their ease of preparation. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a festive appetizer in no time. This simplicity makes it an ideal choice for those busy holiday seasons when you have many dishes to prepare. Rather than stressing over complicated recipes, these pinwheels allow you to focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

Additionally, you can make the pinwheels ahead of time. Prepare them the day before your event and store them in the refrigerator, which not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When party time arrives, you can simply slice and serve, ensuring that you remain relaxed and present during your festivities.

Healthier Snacking Option

As the holiday season often involves indulging in rich and heavy foods, these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels provide a refreshing, healthier snacking option. The inclusion of fresh cranberries delivers an impressive dose of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining your well-being during the winter months. Combining these health benefits with the satisfying creaminess of the filling creates a snack that you can feel good about serving to both family and friends.

Moreover, they can be made lighter with substitutions. For example, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier variation without sacrificing flavor. This way, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere while also keeping the calorie count in check, making your holiday gatherings both enjoyable and health-conscious.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, sliced green onions, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread a generous amount of the cranberry filling over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels.

Chill and Serve

Place the pinwheels on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Serve on a platter for your holiday gathering.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels!

Tips for Perfect Pinwheels

To ensure that your Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels turn out beautifully, make sure you use warm tortillas. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking. Lay the tortillas flat and spread the filling evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. Rolling tightly without overstuffing will help maintain the pinwheel shape. If possible, let them chill for a longer time, as this will help the filling set and make slicing easier.

Experimenting with the thickness of your slices can create varied textures and visuals on your serving platter. Thinner slices expose more of the beautiful filling, while thicker ones offer a heartier bite. Feel free to adjust the size to suit your guests' preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their snacking experience.

Pairing Suggestions

When serving Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, consider pairing them with festive beverages. A sparkling cider or a light, fruity white wine complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. For a more refreshing touch, serve alongside a zesty citrus punch. These beverages not only enhance the flavors of the pinwheels but also add to the visual emotion of your holiday spread.

Additionally, don’t shy away from including other appetizers to create a well-rounded platter. Consider adding cheese platters, veggie trays, or even nut mixes for a delightful variety of textures and flavors. This way, guests can explore different tastes and enhances the overall experience of your holiday gathering.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just keep them wrapped in the fridge.

→ What can I serve with these pinwheels?

They pair well with holiday drinks and other appetizers like cheese platters.

Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. Made with a creamy filling and wrapped in soft tortillas, these festive bites are packed with the tartness of fresh cranberries and a touch of sweetness, making them the perfect appetizer or party snack. They are easy to prepare and make a stunning addition to your holiday platter, sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 pinwheels

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

  1. 4 large flour tortillas
  2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  3. 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  4. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  5. 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  6. 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  7. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, sliced green onions, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Step 02

Spread a generous amount of the cranberry filling over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels.

Step 03

Place the pinwheels on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Serve on a platter for your holiday gathering.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 2g