Do Share Recipe

I absolutely love making this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe whenever I have a gathering or holiday celebration. There’s something so festive about the combination of sweet cranberries and tangy feta wrapped in a soft tortilla. I remember the first time I made them—they disappeared almost instantly! They’re simple to prepare, visually appealing, and can even be made ahead of time.

These pinwheels have quickly become my go-to appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s parties. For a cozy soup to pair alongside, I sometimes serve them with Easy Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for an extra comforting touch.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these flavorful pinwheels, along with tips to get the best results:

Spinach or flour tortillas – I use four 8-inch tortillas. Spinach tortillas add a vibrant green color that looks gorgeous with the red cranberries.
Dried cranberries – 1/2 cup adds the perfect sweet-tart flavor. Avoid fresh or frozen; dried works best for texture.
Feta cheese – 1/2 cup crumbled, adds a salty, tangy balance to the sweet cranberries. Freshly crumbled feta blends better.
Cream cheese – 8 ounces, softened. Softening makes it easy to spread and ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
Green onions – 2 finely chopped, for a hint of sharpness and freshness. Chives can be used as a substitute.
White sugar – 1 tablespoon, optional for extra sweetness. You can skip it for a more savory bite.

Note: This recipe serves several people, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings. For a finger-food seafood twist, you can also enjoy Baked Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe alongside these pinwheels at a festive table.

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: Use a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free feta alternative.
Sugar-free: Omit the sugar or replace with a sugar substitute.
Flavor add-ins: Mix in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a pinch of cinnamon for a holiday twist.
Tortilla alternatives: Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work just as well.

Cooking Time

These pinwheels are a no-bake, quick-to-assemble appetizer:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowl – to combine the cream cheese and other filling ingredients.
Hand mixer or spoon – for smooth, even mixing of the cream cheese.
Spatula – to spread the filling evenly on the tortillas.
Plastic wrap – to tightly wrap the rolled tortillas for chilling.
Serrated knife – to slice the tortillas into neat pinwheels without squishing them.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by softening the cream cheese in a mixing bowl. I like to use a hand mixer for a smooth texture, then fold in the cranberries, crumbled feta, green onions, and sugar. The mixture should be creamy and easy to spread.

Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

Lay out a tortilla and spread a quarter of the filling evenly, leaving about an inch of border around the edges. I find leaving the border prevents the filling from spilling out while rolling. Roll the tortilla tightly, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 3: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the wrapped tortillas for at least one hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up, making slicing easier. Once firm, unwrap and cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. I usually get about 8 slices per tortilla.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few small tweaks make these pinwheels even better:

I always refrigerate for a full hour; it keeps the pinwheels neat when slicing.
Using soft cream cheese ensures the filling spreads easily and blends with the feta and cranberries.
Leaving a 1-inch border around the tortilla prevents the filling from leaking.
I sometimes add a pinch of black pepper or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

These pinwheels are perfect as a colorful appetizer on a holiday platter. Arrange them in a circular pattern or line them up on a tray. Garnish with a few extra cranberries, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or fresh herbs for a polished look. They’re best served cold straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition for 1-2 pinwheels, based on my recipe:

Calories: 120
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

These pinwheels can be prepared and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. I usually wrap them in plastic wrap to maintain shape and freshness.

Freezing

While I recommend serving them fresh, you can freeze uncut rolled tortillas for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

Reheating

These pinwheels are best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. I always enjoy them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love sharing these pinwheels because they’re easy, delicious, and versatile:

Quick to make: Only six main ingredients and no baking required.
Make-ahead friendly: Chill and slice whenever convenient for stress-free entertaining.
Crowd-pleaser: Sweet and savory combination is always a hit at parties.
Visually appealing: Vibrant colors of the tortillas and cranberries make them festive.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients for dietary preferences or flavor twists.

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. They’re fun to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Ben Carraoli