Looking for a colorful, easy, and crowd-pleasing bite for your holiday table? These Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are everything festive rolled into one! Sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and a hint of green spinach make them the perfect Christmas rollups that look just as good as they taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple to make ahead for busy Christmas Eve appetizers.
- Bright red and green colors for a cheerful holiday table.
- Delicious mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Each ingredient adds a special touch that makes these Christmas appetizers pinwheels irresistible:
- Flour tortillas : soft and flexible, perfect for rolling.
- Cream cheese : adds creamy texture and helps hold the rolls together.
- Dried cranberries : sweet and chewy, giving the classic holiday flavor.
- Fresh spinach leaves : bring color and freshness for the red and green appetizers look.
- Shredded cheddar cheese : gives a mild tang and nice bite.
- Green onions : a hint of sharpness that balances the creamy mix.
- Honey : just a touch to balance the tangy cranberries.
- Salt and pepper : to season everything perfectly.
Step by Step Instructions
These easy Christmas roll ups come together in minutes, perfect for last-minute guests or parties.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mix evenly.
- Place spinach leaves over the spread, then roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Unwrap, slice into ½-inch rounds, and serve on a platter for the easiest pinwheel appetizers Christmas can offer.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; too much filling will squeeze out while rolling.
- Chop cranberries small to avoid tearing the wrap when slicing.
- Always chill before slicing to keep neat, beautiful rounds.
- Use fresh tortillas—dry ones will crack and ruin your Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels.
Pro Tips
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use spinach or tomato wraps for extra festive colors.
- Make the rolls a day ahead; slice just before serving.
- Pair them with a light cranberry dipping sauce for extra holiday flair.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas wraps food ideas work perfectly with other holiday bites like Cranberry Brie Cheese Appetizer or Snowman Cheese Ball Recipe. You can also serve them next to Cheese Christmas Trees or even a Christmas Salmon Party Log for a complete easy festive appetizers spread.
Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic Wrap
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas soft and fresh
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
- Place spinach leaves on top of the spread, then roll the tortilla tightly.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap and slice into ½-inch rounds before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for better flavor.
- Use colorful wraps like spinach or tomato tortillas for an extra festive look.
- Optional add-ins include chopped nuts for crunch or a cranberry dipping sauce for serving.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These pinwheels actually taste better after chilling. Make them the day before your party, keep them wrapped in plastic, and slice them just before serving for perfect freshness.
What can I use instead of cranberries?
If you’re out of dried cranberries, try dried cherries or pomegranate seeds. They add a similar sweet-tart burst and still keep the red holiday color in your Christmas pin wheel recipes.
How do I keep pinwheels from getting soggy?
Be sure to spread the filling evenly and avoid wet ingredients like fresh tomatoes. Keeping them chilled and wrapped tight helps them stay firm and fresh until serving.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a big party or just a cozy evening, these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels will bring a little sparkle to your holiday table. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and make your next appetizers Christmas Eve unforgettable!
