Name: Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 8-inch spinach or flour tortillas; 8 ounces cream cheese softened; 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries; 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/3 cup sliced green onions; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 28 reviews

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both elegant and super easy to make, you’re going to love this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe. It combines the tartness of cranberries, the creamy tang of feta, and the smooth richness of cream cheese—all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. These pinwheels are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even a simple snack that feels a little fancy. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this recipe, even if you’re new to making pinwheels!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberries and salty feta create a flavor harmony that’s truly addictive.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser fast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making your party prep hassle-free.
Perfect Texture: Cream cheese binds everything while the tortillas keep it soft yet firm when sliced.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Cranberry Feta Wraps, Easy Holiday Appetizer, No-Bake Cranberry Pinwheels, Festive Cheese Appetizer - On a white oval plate with a ridged edge, there are fifteen green pinwheel rolls arranged in a triangular shape, with one at the top, three in the second row, five in the third row, and six in the bottom row. Each roll shows a swirl of bright green outer layer with a creamy white filling inside that contains small pieces of dark red and green ingredients mixed throughout. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and to the top left, a white bowl filled with red berries is partially visible, sitting on a red and white patterned cloth. A few green onion stems lie on the top right corner of the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe lies in the simple but thoughtful ingredient mix. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture, and knowing a bit about them can help you choose the best options when you shop.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Cranberry Feta Wraps, Easy Holiday Appetizer, No-Bake Cranberry Pinwheels, Festive Cheese Appetizer - Flat lay of fresh whole spinach tortillas stacked neatly, a smooth mound of softened cream cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with plump dried cranberries, a small white bowl with crumbled feta cheese, a small white bowl containing freshly sliced green onions, a small white bowl holding fine white sugar crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Spinach or flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they roll up easily without cracking, which means smooth, neat pinwheels every time.
Cream cheese: This is the creamy base that holds all ingredients together; make sure it’s softened for easy spreading.
Dried cranberries: They add sweet-tart bursts that perfectly balance the salty feta. Look for ones without added sugar if you want a less sweet result.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives a salty, tangy kick—don’t substitute this for something milder or you’ll lose that signature flavor.
Green onions: For a fresh, mild onion bite that adds crunch and color.
Sugar (optional): A little sweetness to offset the saltiness, but you can skip it depending on your taste.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve played around with add-ins that work beautifully and straightforward swaps for dietary preferences.

Variation: For a fresh twist, try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley—makes it taste like spring all year round, and guests always comment on the extra freshness.
Dietary swaps: Use gluten-free tortillas to keep these pinwheels accessible for everyone at your gathering.
Cheese alternate: If feta’s too salty, goat cheese can be a creamy, tangy substitute with a milder flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by softening your cream cheese—if it’s straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, beat it with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until it’s smooth and spreadable. This helps avoid any lumps in your filling. Next, stir in the dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sliced green onions, and if you’re using it, a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. I usually give it a taste test here to tweak sweetness or salt levels—it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Step 2: Spread and Roll

Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface and spread about 1/4 cup of the filling evenly on top, leaving about a 1-inch border all around—this helps keep the filling inside when rolling. This border trick was a game-changer for me after a messy first attempt! Then roll up the tortilla tightly but gently, making sure it’s compact without squishing the filling out the edges. Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to seal it.

Step 3: Chill Before Slicing

Pop your wrapped rolls in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step is key to firm up the filling and make slicing much easier and cleaner. I’ve even made them the night before to save time on the day of serving; they hold up beautifully up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

When it’s time to serve, unwrap the pinwheel rolls and slice them into about 1-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife. The serrated blade helps cut smoothly without squashing your pretty rolls. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear fast!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softening the Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temp for at least 15 minutes to avoid lumps and make spreading easy.
Keeping Rolls Tight: Roll tortillas tightly without squeezing too hard to keep a neat shape and prevent filling leaks.
Using a Serrated Knife: A serrated blade slices pinwheels cleanly without smushing the filling.
Chilling Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the fridge step! It makes slicing much easier and the pinwheels hold together better.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Cranberry Feta Wraps, Easy Holiday Appetizer, No-Bake Cranberry Pinwheels, Festive Cheese Appetizer - The image shows several spiral pinwheel wraps arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has three visible layers: the outer layer is a light green soft flatbread, the middle layer is a thick white creamy filling, and the innermost layer consists of dark red dried fruit pieces evenly spread throughout. The wraps are sliced to show the spiral pattern clearly, with the green flatbread curling around the white filling and red fruit in a tight spiral. The texture of the flatbread looks soft and slightly porous, while the filling is smooth and creamy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the pinwheels right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that complements the cranberry beautifully, especially for a holiday spread.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with simple mixed greens or a light cucumber salad. For parties, I often offer a cheese board or fresh fruit alongside to echo those sweet and salty vibes in the pinwheels.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve rolled them on colorful platters in concentric circles or stacked them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go fun. If you want to impress, try threading them onto skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer kabob.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once sliced, store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long at my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen whole rolls before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, slice, and serve. The texture holds up surprisingly well, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Reheating

These pinwheels are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm them slightly, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil. Avoid the microwave, which can make the tortillas chewy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tortillas for the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While spinach or flour tortillas are traditional and work best because of their soft texture, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas. Just make sure they’re fresh and flexible to avoid cracking when rolling.
How far in advance can I make these pinwheels?

You can prepare and refrigerate the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours before slicing and serving. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Can I substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free option?

Yes, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives work well in this recipe, but be sure to pick one that’s smooth and spreadable for best results. The texture might vary a bit, but the overall flavor combo remains delicious.
Why do I need to leave an inch border when spreading the filling?

Leaving that little border helps prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll up the tortilla. It keeps the pinwheels neat and tidy, which makes slicing and serving much easier.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something quick, crowd-pleasing, and a little different. It’s a simple recipe, but the combo of flavors feels special—perfect for holiday parties or when friends drop by unexpectedly. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do; trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it!

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Caroline
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 32 slices
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are delightful, creamy, and tangy bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with spinach or flour tortillas spread with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and green onions, these pinwheels are refrigerated to set and then sliced into perfect, flavorful spirals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 8-inch spinach or flour tortillas
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or by hand until creamy. Add the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and sugar if using. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay each 8-inch tortilla flat. Spread 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of each tortilla, leaving an inch border around all the edges to prevent overflow while rolling.
Roll and Refrigerate: Tightly roll up each filled tortilla to form a log shape. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pinwheels in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. This helps them set and hold their shape when cut.
Slice and Serve: When ready, remove the plastic wrap and use a serrated knife to cut each roll into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve immediately for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate the rolled tortillas for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before slicing to maintain their shape.
Leaving a 1-inch border around the edges when spreading the filling helps prevent overflow during rolling.
You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins or chopped apricots for different flavor variations.
Use spinach tortillas for added color and a mild spinach flavor or regular flour tortillas if preferred.
Nutritional values and cook times may vary depending on cookware and product brands.