Why You’ll Love Cranberry PinWheels Recipe

The flavor combination is both creamy and bright: the smoothness of cream cheese and feta, the tart pop of dried cranberries, and the mild bite of green onion.
It’s visually appealing — the pinwheel swirl adds an elegant touch that makes this appetizer look more sophisticated than it actually is.
Super easy to make: minimal prep, requires no cooking, and you can make it ahead of time.
Versatile: works for holiday gatherings, casual get‑togethers, or even a fun snack for family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese blend:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Additional ingredients:

4 large flour tortillas (10 inches)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra crunch)

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the crumbled feta cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped green onions, chopped dried cranberries, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and salt into the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
If you’re including nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now for extra crunch and texture.
Lay each of the flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Spread the cheese‑cranberry mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out when rolling.
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. The tighter the roll, the better the pinwheels will hold together and the neater the final slices will look.
Wrap each rolled log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the rolls firm up and allows the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, unwrap the logs and use a sharp, clean knife to slice each into approximately ½‑inch thick pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature (about 10 minutes out of the fridge is good).

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 24–30 pinwheels.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes.
Chilling time: ~1 hour (minimum) to firm up the rolls.
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes.

Variations

Swap the tortillas: Use spinach or sun‑dried tomato flour tortillas for added color and subtle flavor variation.
Change the cheese combo: Substitute goat cheese for feta for a tangier bite, or use flavored cream cheese (e.g., garlic and herb) for a twist.
Fresh cranberries: For a fresher taste, finely chop fresh cranberries and lightly sweeten them before folding in (though dried cranberries are more convenient).
Add herbs: Stir in chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives to brighten the flavor.
Vegetarian crunch: Instead of nuts, use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to keep it nut‑free but still crunchy.
Wrap alternative: Use lavash bread or large spinach tortillas for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best consumed within 2–3 days of making.
Keep them chilled until serving. If stored, bring them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off — this helps the flavors shine.
Do not freeze these pinwheels; the texture of the tortillas and the cheese filling will suffer upon thawing.
If you need to make them ahead, prepare the logs and wrap tightly in plastic until ready to slice and serve.

FAQs

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Use large flour tortillas (10 inches) for easiest rolling and slicing. You can also use flavored or colored tortillas (spinach, sun‑dried tomato) for variation.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Yes — use gluten‑free tortillas of similar size and shape. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten‑free if needed.

Do the pinwheels have to be chilled?

Yes — chilling for at least an hour helps the rolls firm up so they slice cleanly and the flavors meld together. Without chilling, they may be too soft and messy.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the cheese, cranberries, green onions and seasonings ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until ready to spread on the tortillas.

Can I make this recipe nut‑free?

Yes — simply omit the pecans or walnuts (optional) and instead add a safe substitute like roasted seeds or omit the crunch altogether.

How far in advance can I make these?

You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to one day before slicing and serving. For best texture, slice just before serving.

Can I serve these warm?

They are best served chilled or at room temperature. Warming them may soften the tortillas too much and make slicing difficult.

What can I serve alongside the pinwheels?

You can place them on a charcuterie board, pair with fresh veggies and dip, serve at brunch with fruit salad, or incorporate into a holiday appetizer spread.

Can I change up the flavor fillings?

Yes — you could swap cranberries for dried cherries, use walnuts instead of pecans, add chopped olives or sun‑dried tomatoes for a savory spin.

How do I keep them from unrolling?

Spread the filling leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t push out when rolling. Roll tightly and wrap the log in plastic wrap for one hour in the fridge so it firms up, then slice with a sharp knife.

Conclusion

These Cranberry PinWheels offer a simple yet impressive appetizer option that combines creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and optional crunchy nuts all rolled into neat, festive bite‑sized slices. With minimal prep and no cooking, they’re ideal for parties or casual gatherings and can be prepared ahead for convenience. Whether for a holiday spread or a fun brunch offering, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit and bring a splash of color and flavor to your table.