Sweet Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out.

Searching for an easy-to-make holiday starter? These cranberry feta rolls are sweet and savory. Bonus: prep ahead for stress-free serving.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:45 GMT
Colorful spirals of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and herbs inside tortilla rolls on a plate. Pin it
Colorful spirals of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and herbs inside tortilla rolls on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Christmas spirit shines through these feta cranberry pinwheels. The way those tart berries blend with smooth cheese and briny feta gets me every time. Whenever I put these colorful bites on my holiday spread, I watch my company's faces light right up.

What Makes These Pinwheels Capture Everyone

I found this gem when getting ready for my very first holiday get-together and now I can't do without it. Mix up tart cranberries, salty feta, and bright green onions and you've got something special. People think I've slaved away when they see the festive green tortillas, but between us, they're quick and don't need any cooking at all.

Your Shopping List

  • Cream Cheese: Let it warm up on the counter first. It'll spread so much better, I promise.
  • Feta Cheese: That crumbly, salty goodness makes everyone come back for seconds.
  • Dried Cranberries: Cut them tiny to get that sweet burst everywhere.
  • Green Onions: Stick with just the green bits for a mild, fresh kick.
  • Spinach Tortillas: They add that wow factor but plain ones taste great too.

Putting It All Together

Blend Your Mixture
In a bowl, stir together the room-temp cream cheese, feta, chopped cranberries and sliced green onions until it's all combined.
Get Spreading
Don't rush spreading it all the way to the edges. You want every bite full of that tasty mixture.
Wrap and Cool
Roll each tortilla up snugly. Cover with plastic wrap and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
Finish Up
After chilling, cut into rounds and lay them out on your serving dish.
A platter of rolled pastry swirls filled with cream cheese, green peppers, and cranberries. Pin it
A platter of rolled pastry swirls filled with cream cheese, green peppers, and cranberries. | lilicooks.com

Give Them Some Flair

I love setting these up in a Christmas tree pattern on my grandma's old silver tray. A few extra cranberries scattered around plus some fresh herb sprigs make it so pretty that guests always grab their phones for pictures before eating.

Stress-Free Entertaining

I've learned to make these the day before any gathering. They'll stay fresh wrapped up tight in your fridge for up to three days. That's a real time-saver when you're busy running around during the holidays.

Try These Twists

  • Tortillas: Try red tomato wraps for a different look. Plain ones work perfectly fine too.
  • Cranberries: I'll throw in dried cherries or golden raisins if I'm out of cranberries.
  • Feta Cheese: For extra creaminess, goat cheese does the trick. More cream cheese works in a hurry.
  • Green Onions: Swap in fresh chives or parsley when you want something different.
A plate of rolled pastry slices filled with cream cheese, herbs, and cranberries, arranged neatly for presentation. Pin it
A plate of rolled pastry slices filled with cream cheese, herbs, and cranberries, arranged neatly for presentation. | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How early can I make these rolls?

These can be prepped up to two days ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic, keep in the fridge, and slice right before serving for best results.

→ Why is regular feta better than low-fat?

Low-fat feta doesn’t have enough moisture. For a creamy and smooth mix, go with the regular kind.

→ Can I try different tortilla options?

Sure! Wheat or spinach tortillas not only taste awesome but brighten up your appetizer spread too.

→ What's the secret to keeping the rolls intact?

Tight rolling and secure wrapping in plastic are key. Chill them for at least an hour so they stay in shape when you slice.

→ What's a nice way to present these?

Slice into 12 even pieces and arrange them on a plate with the spiral design facing up for a pretty display.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Tangy feta and sweet cranberries wrapped in tortillas. A classic holiday favorite everyone loves.

Prep Time
75 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 pinwheels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 large tortillas, either wheat or spinach flavored.
02 3/4 cup tangy feta cheese, broken into crumbles (avoid low-fat).
03 1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced.
04 8 ounces of cream cheese, left out to soften.
05 3/4 cup of dried cranberries, sweetened.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the cranberries, softened cream cheese, feta, and chopped green onion into a bowl. Stir until it's all mixed together.

Step 02

Divide the mixture between your tortillas. Smooth it out so it covers the whole surface.

Step 03

Roll each tortilla up snugly like a log. Wrap them with plastic wrap, then chill in the fridge for an hour or more.

Step 04

Once chilled, slice the rolls into 12 pieces each. Lay them out on a plate, showing off the spiral pattern.

Notes

  1. Prepare the rolls up to 48 hours ahead for top-notch results.
  2. Skip low-fat feta—it won't give you the right texture.
  3. Try using colorful wraps to make it look more vibrant.

Tools You'll Need

  • A bowl to mix everything together.
  • Plastic wrap to seal the rolls.
  • A sharp knife for cutting.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese and feta.
  • Contains wheat: flour tortillas.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g