The first time I made these, it was during a snowy December afternoon with carols playing and pine-scented candles flickering. I needed something quick, festive, and just a little fancy. These cranberry and feta pinwheels hit every note. They looked like Christmas and tasted like joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels bring together the sweet and salty in the most effortless way. You get the tangy bite of feta, the sweetness of cranberries, and the creaminess of soft cheese all rolled up in one pretty little spiral.
They take only 10 minutes to prep, and the rest is just chill time. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or even a last-minute snack tray. You can make them ahead, keep them in the fridge, and slice when ready. They’re a crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about a few simple ingredients coming together in a delicious way. Everything here is easy to find and even easier to mix.
Key Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Softened to spread easily. It’s the creamy base that holds everything together.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled and salty. Adds a bold, tangy kick.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet, chewy, and just festive enough to feel like Christmas.
- Green onions: Fresh, bright, and slightly sharp.
- Flour tortillas: Use the 10-inch size. Soft and flexible tortillas are best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to pull together these festive pinwheels in just a few minutes.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped green onions, and cranberries. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Spread it out: Divide the mixture evenly among your tortillas. Spread it all the way to the edges.
- Roll it up: Roll each tortilla tightly like a wrap. This helps them slice cleanly later.
- Wrap and chill: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. Overnight is even better.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. A sharp knife makes neat little pinwheels.
- Serve cold: Arrange on a tray and enjoy chilled.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh tortillas. Older ones can crack or tear.
- Full-fat cream cheese holds its shape better and gives a richer texture.
- Let the rolls chill completely before slicing. This makes clean, tidy spirals.
- Want something milder? You can swap feta for goat cheese or even a creamy havarti.
- Wipe your knife clean between slices for perfect edges.
Serving Suggestions
- Place these on a Christmas appetizer platter next to crackers, grapes, or cheese cubes.
- Bring them to your next potluck or holiday lunch at work. They travel well.
- Serve alongside bubbly or mulled wine for a relaxed holiday happy hour.
- Pair with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – the perfect holiday appetizer pairing for a cranberry-themed snack board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can make these a day ahead. In fact, the flavor gets even better after chilling overnight. Just keep the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and slice just before serving.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still tasty the next day—maybe even better.
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels – Quick, Festive & Delicious
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
Description
A festive, sweet-and-salty appetizer perfect for Christmas or any party. Combines dried cranberries, green onions, and feta cheese in a creamy spread rolled up in tortillas.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, feta cheese, chopped green onions, and dried cranberries until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture evenly among the 4 tortillas.
3. Spread the filling across each tortilla, reaching the edges.
4. Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the rolls to firm up.
6. After chilling, remove plastic wrap and cut each tortilla into 1-inch slices to make pinwheels.
7. Serve chilled.
Notes
Tortillas should be fresh and pliable to prevent cracking.
Full-fat cream cheese helps the filling hold better.
Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Use a sharp knife to get clean pinwheel slices.
If feta is too strong, substitute with goat cheese or a milder cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
More Such Recipes
Try these other festive appetizers for your next gathering:
- Christmas Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Feta – a festive and colorful complement
- Caprese Crostini Ghosts – fun and festive finger foods for parties
- Easy Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza – another creamy and tangy appetizer idea
FAQ
Can I make cranberry and feta pinwheels the night before?
Yes, you can! In fact, chilling them overnight helps the rolls firm up, making them easier to slice. Just keep them tightly wrapped and slice just before serving.
What type of tortillas work best for pinwheels?
Use soft, 10-inch flour tortillas. Look for ones labeled “soft taco” or “burrito size.” They should bend easily without cracking.
How do I keep pinwheels from getting soggy?
Make sure your cream cheese isn’t too warm when mixing. Chill the rolls well before slicing. Also, avoid overloading the filling—it should be even, not thick.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels are the kind of recipe that makes you look like you tried hard… even when you didn’t. They’re festive, flavorful, and almost too easy. Whether you’re setting out a holiday spread or packing snacks for a gathering, they fit the moment.
Try them this season, and if you share them, tag me on Pinterest or Facebook—I love seeing what you’re making!