Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

$- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 large flour tortillas (or spinach wraps for added color) These key ingredients form the base of our Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. The cream cheese serves as a creamy backdrop. Chopped dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy bite. Finely chopped pecans bring in that satisfying crunch. Honey adds natural sweetness, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Finally, tortillas hold everything together and create the perfect bite. - Fresh parsley leaves While the pinwheels look great on their own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also brings a fresh taste that complements the sweet filling. Using garnishes can elevate your dish and make it look festive on the table. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I mix the filling. In a medium bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, and vanilla extract. I stir them well until they blend smoothly. This mixture is sweet and creamy, perfect for our pinwheels. Next, I lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. I take a generous amount of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the entire surface. I make sure to reach the edges to ensure every bite is delicious. Now, let's roll the pinwheels. I carefully roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, creating a log shape. I repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling. Each log should be tight to hold the filling well. Once I have all the tortillas rolled, I wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. I place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the filling and makes slicing easier later. After chilling, I take the logs out of the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, I slice each log into ½-inch thick pinwheels. I make sure to cut straight to keep the shapes nice and neat. For serving, I arrange the pinwheels on a festive platter. I like to garnish them with fresh parsley leaves for color and contrast. This makes the dish look even more inviting and fun for the holiday table. To make great Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, start with softened cream cheese. This step helps you mix it easily. If the cream cheese is cold, it can be hard to stir. Leave it out for 30 minutes before you begin. When you spread the mixture on the tortilla, use a spatula. This tool helps you get an even layer. Spread from the center out to the edges. If the layer is too thick, it may spill out when you roll it. Aim for a thin, even coat. You can add spices to boost flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives warmth. You might also try a tiny bit of cayenne for a kick. For sweeteners, honey works well, but you can also use maple syrup. It gives a different taste that many enjoy. If you want less sweetness, cut back on the honey. Adjust to your taste, and feel free to experiment! Pro Tips Chill for Best Results: Let the pinwheels chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cream cheese to firm up, making slicing easier. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped apples or shredded coconut to the cream cheese mixture for a unique twist. Perfect Slicing: Use a serrated knife to slice the pinwheels. This will help you achieve clean cuts without squishing the filling. Garnish for Presentation: Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or pomegranate seeds on top of the pinwheels can elevate the presentation and add a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter taste. This change adds tanginess while keeping a creamy texture. Another great option is using vegan cream cheese. It works well for those who avoid dairy. If you have nut allergies, you can replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds add crunch and flavor without the worry of allergens. You can also skip nuts altogether. The pinwheels will still taste great with just the cranberry mixture. For a healthier choice, try whole wheat tortillas. They add fiber and a nutty flavor. Plus, they pair well with the sweet cranberry filling. If you prefer something lower in carbs, use lettuce wraps. They provide a fresh crunch and keep the dish light. Spinach wraps also make a colorful option. They add a pop of green to your plate. With these variations, you can customize the pinwheels to fit different diets and tastes. To keep your Christmas cranberry pinwheels fresh, store them in the fridge. Wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap. This will help keep them moist. Place the wrapped pinwheels in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. You can also use parchment paper between layers for extra protection. If you want to freeze them, slice the rolled pinwheels first. Place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer the frozen pinwheels to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, your pinwheels last about five days. Keep them wrapped tightly to maintain freshness. Look for any changes in color or smell. If they start to smell sour or look off, it’s time to toss them. Freezing can extend their life, but they taste best when fresh. Enjoy them within three months for the best flavor. Always check for spoilage signs before serving. Safe eating is the key to a happy holiday! Yes, you can make these pinwheels a day ahead. Prepare the filling and roll the tortillas. Wrap them tightly and chill in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend well. Chilling also makes slicing easier. Just slice and serve when you're ready! Serving pinwheels is easy and fun. Arrange them on a large platter. Use colorful garnishes like parsley to make it pop. You can also add small toothpicks for easy grabbing. Guests love tasty bites they can pick up while mingling. Absolutely! You can change the filling to suit your taste. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds. Want a savory twist? Add herbs or cheese. The choice is yours! This blog post covered how to create delicious Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. You learned the essential ingredients like cream cheese and cranberries, plus the importance of rolling and chilling. I shared tips on perfecting texture and creative variations to suit dietary needs. Remember to store pinwheels well to maintain freshness. Overall, these pinwheels are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy making them for your next celebration!$

Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Festive and delicious pinwheels filled with cream cheese, cranberries, and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 1 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

1 package cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped
0.5 cup pecans, finely chopped
2 tablespoons honey
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large flour tortillas (or spinach wraps)
to taste fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla.
Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, creating a log shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Once all tortillas are rolled, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
After chilling, remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into ½-inch thick pinwheels.
Arrange the pinwheels on a festive serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley leaves for added color and contrast.

Notes

Use spinach wraps for added color and flavor.

Keyword cranberry, holiday, pinwheels