Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe

I can’t wait to share this Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe with you! These little bites are festive, colorful, and bursting with flavor — exactly what you want for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. The combination of sweet cranberry, tangy feta, and creamy cream cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla is just pure magic, especially when you want something both easy and impressive.

What makes this Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe a winner in my kitchen is how simple yet delightful it is. You can whip it up in no time, and it holds beautifully for serving later. I’ve brought these pinwheels to potlucks and Christmas brunches, and they always disappear fast. Trust me, this recipe’s perfect for when you want to look like a hostess-extraordinaire without breaking a sweat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe come together so well because each adds a unique touch—sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh. Plus, they’re all easy to find at your local grocery store, making this a stress-free holiday treat to throw together last minute.

• Green onions: Adds a pop of freshness and subtle onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Sweetened dried cranberries: I soften them in warm water for a few minutes so they stay juicy and don’t dry out the tortilla.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings that salty, tangy kick; I prefer a creamy feta for easier spreading.
• Large flour tortillas: Two 10-inch tortillas work best for easy rolling without cracking.
• Cream cheese: Softened Philadelphia cream cheese is my go-to for a smooth, rich base layer that holds everything together.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe your own — it’s so versatile. Sometimes I like to toss in toasted pecans for crunch or swap the green onions for chives for a milder flavor. Play around to suit your palate or even dietary needs!

• Nutty twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch; perfect if you want some texture contrast.
• Herb variation: Swap green onions with fresh dill or chives for unique flavor profiles that still complement the cranberry and feta beautifully.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan alternative: Try dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based feta-style cheese substitute; the flavor combo still shines through.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, soften your cream cheese by leaving it out about 20 minutes before you start or pop it in the microwave in 10-second bursts. While that’s happening, soak your dried cranberries in warm water for five minutes to plump them up—this little trick makes them juicy and prevents the pinwheels from tasting dry. Chop your green onions finely and crumble the feta if it’s not already crumbled.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Once your cream cheese is soft, combine it with the crumbled feta, softened cranberries (drain well), and sliced green onions in a bowl. Stir it all together gently but thoroughly until you get an evenly mixed, colorful filling. Trust me, taking this time to mix well means every bite will have all the flavors perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Assemble and Roll

Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread the filling evenly over the entire surface—don’t be shy! Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to get a nice smooth layer. Then, carefully roll the tortilla into a tight log, starting from one edge. A tight roll keeps everything together when slicing and serving. If you feel any cracks forming, just roll a bit more slowly and gently.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Wrap your rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour, though letting them chill longer is even better. Chilling firms up the filling and makes slicing easier without squishing. When ready, unwrap and slice into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pinwheels — this size offers perfect bite-sized portions perfect for parties!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh, vibrant look. Sometimes I add a few extra dried cranberries or even a dusting of cracked black pepper for a little zip. These garnishes aren’t just pretty – they add that extra touch of flavor and color that makes these pinwheels really pop on the holiday table.

Side Dishes

Pair your pinwheels with light, refreshing sides like a crisp winter salad or a simple platter of mixed nuts and olives. I also love serving them alongside a warming soup or stew to change things up and keep the meal balanced. The creamy and tangy flavors in these pinwheels complement many savory sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra holiday cheer, arrange the pinwheels on a festive platter shaped like a wreath and add sprigs of rosemary or holly around the edges. If you’re serving at a party, little toothpicks with decorative ends can make grabbing each pinwheel easier and more elegant. I once used a tiered serving stand to create a beautiful centerpiece of these pinwheels, which really wowed my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find storing them in a single layer lined with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Just remember they’re best eaten within a couple of days to enjoy the fullest flavor and freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the rolled pinwheels (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight and slice the next day. Freezing is a lifesaver if you’re prepping for a big holiday spread in advance!

Reheating

Since this recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, I typically skip reheating to preserve texture and flavors. If you must warm them a bit, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds helps soften cream cheese without making the tortilla soggy or tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels Recipe has become one of my absolute holiday staples — it’s so easy, festive, and totally crowd-pleasing. Honestly, I love how the flavors just sing together and the ease with which you can prep them ahead of time. Next time you want a stress-free seasonal appetizer that’ll impress your guests (or simply treat yourself), definitely give these pinwheels a try. I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year, just like I do!

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