Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when kitchens are filled with the irresistible scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things sweet and spicy. I still remember the first time I tasted cranberry pinwheels at a holiday party years ago. The vibrant red cranberries sparkled like little jewels, and I couldn’t resist their festive charm. Those pinwheels were not only a visual treat, but the combination of creamy cheese and tart cranberries was simply divine. Every bite took me back to cozy family gatherings with laughter ringing in the air. It’s these very memories that inspired me to create my own version of Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels – an easy holiday appetizer recipe that will make you the star of your next holiday bash!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You can whip these up in no time, perfect for impromptu gatherings or planned parties.
• Stunning Presentation: Colorful and eye-catching, they’ll impress your guests and add a festive flair to your table.
• Delightful Flavor: The tartness of cranberries blends beautifully with creamy cheese, making each bite a burst of holiday joy.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge—so handy for busy hosts!

Ingredients

Ready to gather your ingredients? You’ll love how simple and straightforward this list is:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use full-fat for creamier results)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or you can use dried cranberries for a sweeter alternative)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste, honey can be a lovely substitute)
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional but adds an amazing crunch)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (this spice adds a lovely warmth)
• 4 large flour tortillas (you can use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a fun twist)
• Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish (optional but adds a lovely touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get rolling—literally! These pinwheels are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Mix until everything is well incorporated. Take a moment to inhale that sweet, tangy aroma!
2. Spread the Mixture: Place one tortilla on a clean, flat surface. With a spatula, spread a generous layer of your cranberry cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving about half an inch from the edges. Don’t skimp—this is the star of the show!
3. Roll It Up: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly (like a burrito). The tighter you roll, the better the slices will look. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to slice. It’s a great opportunity to put your feet up with a warming cup of cocoa!
5. Slice: When you’re ready to serve, take the rolls out of the fridge, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pinwheels. I like to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, which helps keep the filling intact. Admire those colorful layers!
6. Garnish and Serve: Arrange your pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint. It adds that extra holiday touch. Serve them up alongside crackers or bread for an irresistible festive treat!

Pro Tips & Variations

If you want to get a little creative or tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, here are some fun ideas:

• Add Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give your pinwheels an exciting kick.
• Go Sweet: Try mixing in a spoonful of maple syrup or honey for a more decadent flavor.
• Herbal Twist: Chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the taste and add a fragrant aroma.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a nut-based cream cheese or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

These Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are perfect for a variety of occasions! Serve them as an appetizer at a holiday party, or bring them to a potluck for everyone to enjoy. They pair beautifully with:

• Crackers: Set them next to an assortment of cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer spread.
• Cocktails: They work wonderfully with a fruity holiday drink or a refreshing sparkling water!
• Salad: Alongside a light salad, they make for a balanced and festive meal.

Just picture it—friends and family gathering around the table, laughter filling the air, and eyes lighting up as they dive into these festive bites. Such a cozy scene!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! These pinwheels keep well in the fridge:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the rolled tortillas before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them, then slice!
• Reheat: While they’re best served cold, if you prefer the cream cheese a bit softer, you can let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries will add a lovely sweetness, and they work really well in this recipe. Just chop them up a bit to distribute evenly through the cream cheese mixture.

How do I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the pinwheels and roll them up a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. Slice them right before your guests arrive!

Are these pinwheels suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas, and you’re good to go. They’ll taste just as delicious!

Can I add more ingredients to the mix?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as chopped apples for a fruity twist, or cheese varieties like goat cheese or feta to complement the cranberries.

What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels?

A sharp knife is key! And if you kind of saw through them gently instead of pressing down hard, you’ll get cleaner slices. A little patience goes a long way here!

Conclusion

I hope you find joy in making these Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels as much as I do. They bring a warm touch to any holiday gathering and create beautiful memories with every bite. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Please drop a comment below, share your thoughts or any personal twists you added. Happy cooking, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and delight!

Irresistible Easy Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels Holiday Appetizer

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Create these delicious cranberry pinwheels for a festive holiday appetizer Easy to make theyll impress your guests and elevate your Christmas menu

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

4 large flour tortillas

Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Mix until well incorporated.

Place one tortilla on a clean, flat surface and spread a generous layer of your cranberry cream cheese mixture over it, leaving about half an inch from the edges.

Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge, similar to a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Once chilled, remove from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.

Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint.

Notes

Enjoy the festive flair of these Delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, a quick and easy holiday appetizer recipe that pairs tart cranberries with creamy cheese, perfect for any gathering.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: Cranberry Pinwheels, Holiday Appetizer, Christmas Recipes, Easy Appetizers